'It's likely there will a significant risk to patient safety' NI health leaders have their say on industrial action
Chief executives from all of the Trusts voice concern
Chief Executives from trusts right across Northern Ireland have warned there is a “significant risk” to patient safety as a result of the current wave of industrial action.
In an unprecedented joint statement to Permanent Secretary Richard Pengelly, they said they were taking all necessary steps to assess the risks of the action taken by health workers “in respect of quality of care and patient safety.”
“We will, as far as is possible, mitigate such risks but given the extent and scope of the action that is now unfolding, we believe a significant risk to patient safety is likely,” the statement said.
“We recognise the dedication and commitment of all our staff and also respect their right to take industrial action. However, the level of escalation, in what is only week two, is causing us real concern with regard to service continuity during what is already a very demanding period.
“We are all aware that HSC in Northern Ireland requires a long-term funding settlement that addresses service, workforce and pay pressures in a sustainable manner. We have been struggling with a system where funding has been made available on a yearly basis, which makes it impossible to plan for the long term. Demand is increasing and will continue to do so meaning that the current system is simply unsustainable.”
And the health service leaders urged for a “means of resolving the dispute in the short term.”
“We accept that this is not possible without ministerial intervention and further resource,” they said.
“We now all need to urgently find a resolution to the current dispute.”
Meanwhile, Unite workers have voted to take part in industrial action on December 18.
Last night the union said 82% of its members voted in favour of full strike action.
That includes Pharmacists, Health Visitors, psychologists and lab staff.
Further action is planned this week, while the Royal College of Nurses will stage 24 hours of industrial action, short of strike, today (Tuesday).