Fears more NHS staff will be forced to take time off, or quit, as Lincolnshire struggles in Covid fight
We can now reveal almost 10% of staff are off
Last updated 5th Jan 2022
It's feared more frontline NHS staff will be forced to take time off, or quit, as hospitals across Lincolnshire struggle in the fight against Coronavirus.
It comes as the trust in charge declared a critical internal incident over the weekend due to pressures.
A briefing's now been held between health bosses.
Boston and Skegness MP Matt Warman said almost 1/10 staff are off.
"The numbers are going to bounce about a little bit.
"The expectation is that, as the Omicron wave sweeps across the country, things will continue to be difficult for a weeks ahead."
Local UNISON rep Carol Brown fears things will only get worse.
"I'm not surprised by it, because I know that our members and staff have just worked tirelessly for the last 2 years.
"We know that before we'd even heard of Omicron that they were on their knees with the work, but they've plodded on."
She said many are having to make difficult decisions about their careers.
"I'm fully aware of members deciding to retire early and leave because for them, it's been like a warzone.
"People that work within the NHS are very passionate about their roles, their proud to be part of the NHS.
"To be pushed to the point of saying, 'I don't think I can take anymore of this and I feel so overwhelmed by it all that I'm going to take early retirement,' I think it's really quite sad, but understandable."
ULHT Medical Director Dr Colin Farquharson said:
“As a result of significant staffing pressures due to absence related to COVID-19, we are having to take additional steps to maintain services.
"Our staff continue to work exceptionally hard and we would like to reassure our patients and the public that in spite of the challenges faced, essential services remain fully open for anyone who needs them, so people should continue to come forward for care.
"People can help us to help them by getting their COVID booster vaccine to protect themselves and their families and reduce pressure on health services.”