NHS still trying to measure how public sector strike will affect patients
More than 500 NHS Tayside patients will be told later this week of cancellations and disruptions to their appointments due to strike action next Wednesday.
- By Marjory Inglis, health reporter
- Published in the Courier : 24.11.11
- Published online : 24.11.11 @ 03.04pm
Last night, NHS Tayside admitted it had still not finalised the services that will be delivered on the November 30 public sector pension reforms 'day of action'.
Thousands of doctors and nurses across Tayside and Fife will turn up for work next Wednesday not knowing whether they will be able to do their jobs.
Strike action by unions representing radiographers, podiatrists and support staff such as porters and cleaners will cause disruption to services and has led to cancellation of non-urgent activity.
The British Medical Association, the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives have not had a vote on strike action and their members will be going to work as usual. But other colleagues will be withdrawing their labour after their unions decided to strike.
Assurances have been given that emergency services will keep running, but routine operations and outpatient appointments are being cancelled.
An NHS Tayside insider revealed health bosses still had no idea who would stay away from work on Wednesday.
The employee said: ''They don't know who is in a union and who is not …They will only know which organisations have voted to strike.
''The BMA, the RCN and the RCM have not balloted their members, so they will all be working on Wednesday, but there are other organisations like the GMB, Unite, Unison and the Society of Radiographers who have been balloted and are taking action.''
The employee said that would have a crippling effect on the ability of the medical staff to do their jobs.
''This is what we have been trying to get across to lots and lots of people,'' said the employee. ''It doesn't matter what part of the health service is taken out, it has a dire effect upon everything else that happens in our hospitals.''
The insider insisted emergency services would be protected, and unions are in talks to ensure there is adequate cover on Wednesday.
Management and union representatives on both sides of the Tay are making plans to keep essential services running when staff walk out.
NHS Tayside associate director for workforce George Doherty said: ''We are currently working very closely with our staff-side representatives to identify and agree staffing levels, which will ensure key clinical services will be delivered on Wednesday November 30.
''As people can appreciate this is a highly complex process. We need to ensure as far as possible that patient care is not unnecessarily disrupted.
''Patient safety is always our key priority and the discussions which are currently ongoing will ensure safe staffing levels.
''An early decision has been taken today, which will result in the cancellation or change to more than 500 outpatient appointments across a range of specialities. Those patients affected will be contacted this week.''
Fife situation uncertain
NHS Fife was unable to say exactly how many operations and outpatient appointments will be cancelled next week, but said it had carried out an average of 55 non-emergency operations each day.
A spokeswoman said: ''The results of all of the trade union ballots have not yet been announced — however, discussions are ongoing with staff representative colleagues to ensure the safe provision of essential services will be provided to patients on November 30.
''Our normal business continuity plans will be implemented and communication will take place with patients and other associated services as appropriate. This will include contacting those patients who have already been provided with an appointment for the 30th.
''They will be advised of any cancellations and alternative arrangements will be made. We apologise for any inconvenience.''
Nationwide, around 50,000 healthcare staff will be among 300,000 Scottish public sector workers expected to participate in the strike.
Dave Watson, Unison organiser for Scotland, said ''just about everyone'' will be affected by the day of strike action.
He said: ''Essentially, there will be emergency cover in the health service next Wednesday but it will be more like a public holiday. We want to ensure life-and-limb cover but most routine surgery and appointments have already been cancelled.''
10.01pm - 27.11.2011 Sally - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Maybe we should all remember this next time we're offered an extra bank holiday! And if they truly are having to physically cancel appointments,mayb th managers need to sort themselves out,theyve known about the likelyhood of these strikes for at least a month.Plus the RCN are supporting this action
02.55pm - 28.11.2011 Rod C. - Dundee, U.K. Report This
Sally, good points. The date was know by managers as long ago as June, but this inconvenience makes it look as though the unions are to blame. For anyone interested, EMERGENCY LIFE THREATENING COVER is being provided by union members.
07.16pm - 29.11.2011 d - Dundee, United Kingdom Report This
well if the chiefs stopped giving themselves what constitutes high bonuses for doing their job then they would have funds.
Add a comment