A month-long hiring freeze at Addenbrooke’s Hospital has raised serious concerns among staff about patient safety and increased workload pressures. The measure, introduced by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, took effect on February 28, citing financial constraints as the key reason for the decision.
Hospital employees have expressed fears that overstretched resources could compromise patient care, with some suggesting the freeze could lead to redundancies. Existing staff worry they will be pressured into working additional hours without adequate support, while job applicants have been left frustrated by the abrupt halt in recruitment.
Staff Fear Understaffing Could Impact Patient Care
The recruitment freeze has affected all scheduled interviews and job postings, with the exception of doctors, according to an anonymous hospital worker. This decision has raised questions among staff, as patient care relies on a range of healthcare professionals, including nurses, healthcare assistants, and administrative support.
“There is a worry that the next step will be redundancies, and I am concerned about the impact on patient safety and experience. Staff are also worried that they might be rostered for additional hours without being asked or being paid overtime, or that they will feel pressured to pick up shifts and overstretch themselves to cover the shortfall.” the staff member said.
“Wards and other departments are feeling the constant strain of being understaffed and nobody has an idea of how this is going to be eased. I worry that existing staff will go elsewhere.” The concern is that existing workers will be forced to take on additional shifts, potentially leading to staff burnout and higher turnover rates.
Job candidates who had scheduled interviews for nursing apprenticeships were notified less than 24 hours before their meetings that their applications had been cancelled. Those already in the hiring process have been informed they will need to restart their applications after the freeze is lifted, adding further frustration.
Trust Cites Financial Pressures but Insists Measure Is Temporary
The Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has defended the move, stating that financial constraints necessitated immediate action ahead of the 2025-26 budget finalisation. A spokesperson for the trust explained that the recruitment pause was a short-term measure and that some exceptions would be made to maintain patient safety.
“Like all NHS trusts, we are facing financial constraints as we go into the next financial year,” the trust stated. “As of 27 February, we have paused recruitment for four weeks while we finalise our budget and agree the criteria by which future recruitment can proceed.”
Despite the hiring freeze, the trust highlighted that it remains on track to achieve £53 million in efficiency savings this financial year, which it says will help sustain patient care standards. Staff with concerns have been encouraged to discuss the situation with their line managers.
However, frontline healthcare workers remain uncertain about the long-term effects. There are fears that some staff may leave the NHS altogether, seeking better pay and conditions elsewhere, which could further exacerbate workforce shortages. For now, the impact of this hiring freeze remains a pressing issue within the hospital.
