Hospital staff face an uncertain future after it was revealed a private company could be brought in to manage them.

Non-clinical staff at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre (NOC), Headington, Oxford, are concerned about the proposal, which is part of a £30m scheme to update old buildings there. One-in-ten employees, including porters, caterers, laundry and estate workers, could be affected.

The redevelopment would be made possible by a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) which allows a private company to buy the new development, while the hospital leases the services it provides. But staff claim they could be given a raw deal if the idea - scheduled to start in October 2001 - is approved next week. One worker, who would not be named for fear of losing his job, said: "Some of us have been working for more than 30 years at the hospital and we don't want things to be changed.

"We are worried that the new firm might just be in it for the money and our jobs and the hospital will suffer as a result."

NOC personnel director Andrew Anderson confirmed the hospital was considering transferring non-clinical services to a private firm, but said staff would not be affected by the move. He said: "They will be entitled to legal regulations meaning that if they are moved they will take the employment rights that they currently enjoy with them."

Mr Anderson said the NOC would make sure any company which took over would have a good reputation for looking after its staff.

Story date: Saturday 11 December

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