NHS administrators angry at proposed job changes in the region’s mental health trust called on bosses to meet with them.

Several dozen people affected by the proposed reforms at Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust left their offices for a 30-minute walk-out, standing outside the NHS organisation’s Chatsworth House offices in Old Town yesterday lunchtime to raise awareness of the changes.

AWP restructure plans will see at least 50 fewer administrators, responsible for tasks like updating patients’ medical records.

Trade union Unison claims the changes would result in a pay cut of up to 12.5 per cent for some staff as well as 53 jobs lost across Wiltshire and Somerset. This has been denied by AWP.

Yesterday, there were calls from affected staff-members for bosses to come and speak about the changes.

Amy Dineen said: “Just come and see what all the members of the team do, what the administrators do day-to-day. I don’t think we’ve spoken to anyone from where these decisions are being taken.”

Carole Harrin, an administrator with AWP for the past 10 years, added: “For me personally it would mean a 12.5 per cent pay cut. It will impact upon my pension. It would mean that I wouldn’t be doing the work that I get an awful lot of job satisfaction from. It’s bonkers.

“If they’re being pressured to fill in boxes in an office they’re not there out in the community helping people with mental health problems.”

Celia Elliott, who has worked for the trust for 16 years, asked: “How are they going to encourage young people to come into admin work? There is no incentive or promotion opportunities.”

Julie Rimmer said: “It matters because mental health matters.

"They can’t run without administrators.”

Sarah Anstey added: “Everyone talks about nurses, but there’s no way they could run the service without administrators.”

Throughout May, Unison members are being balloted over taking strike action from June.

Simon Truelove, AWP’s deputy chief executive, said: “We regret the strength of feeling and distress that the review has caused, which was never the intention of anyone working on this important change.”

A spokeswoman for the trust added: "The purpose of the administration review is to modernise administrative structures, create consistency across administration role description and parity in terms of banding. In addition, the review aimed to develop a Trustwide career framework for administration staff supported by training and development opportunities.

"There have been two separate phases of staff consultation to engage all current job holders.

"Phase 1 (9 July to 10 August) this included a series of staff roadshows, the setting up of an expert reference group, external evaluation and regular updates shared with staff throughout this period including Q&A.

"Phase 2 (1 November to 9 December) this included more roadshows and informal local events, regular communications and Q&A updates.

"The roadshows were led by Operations Managers supported by members of the project team, including Executive and HR colleagues. We received over 500 feedback forms over the two phases.

"Throughout this process we have worked in partnership with the Joint Union Council.

"We fully recognise and appreciate the vital role that our administration staff provide in helping us provide safe and effective care."