Colchester Hospital staff to march over jobs row
The latest strike action will impact several community sites
Hospital cleaners, porters and catering staff are staging a march this morning (19 October) against their jobs being outsourced.
The strikes are taking place at Colchester Hospital and some of the community sites before holding a rally in the city's Castle Park.
It comes amid an argument over East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust's (ESNEFT) plan to outsource jobs.
The strikes planned:
- a 24-hour strike from 6am on Saturday 19 October to 6am on Sunday 20 October
- a 48-hour strike from 6am on Monday 21 October to 6am on Wednesday 23 October
A spokesperson from the hospital said: "We are committed to keeping disruption to services to a minimum and our focus is on patient care and safety.
"A final decision on this has not been made. It is due to be made in November."
They said patients and visitors to the hospital should expect fewer facilities staff on wards.
No hot food is being served in Senses restaurant but hot food is available in the shops at the hospital main entrance.