HEALTH union Unison hit out today at proposals which would see six NHS-employed GP practices in Aberdeen privatised. 

The union said Aberdeen City Health and Social Care Partnership must “think again” before approving plans which could see 138 staff transferred out of the NHS. 

The proposal, due to be considered on Tuesday, has been overwhelmingly opposed by workers, with staff instead calling for improvements to NHS services. 

Trade unions have raised concerns about the impact on healthcare provision, with Unison claiming five GPs have already given notice they will be leaving following the proposals. 

Hardworking front-line staff also risk losing employment protections in the private sector, the union said. 

Unison regional organiser Simon Watson said: “The six practices now under review cover about one in ten residents, but also offer very specialist services.

“Transferring them to private practices introduces a profit motive into their services, and that is a huge concern.”