Nurses Walk Out in Row Over Pay
RCN says "Low pay is fanning the flames of a workforce crisis"
The Welsh Government expects that NHS Wales services will be significantly impacted by industrial action, as the first of planned strikes by staff begins today.
The Royal College of Nursing has announced its members will go on strike on 15th and 20th December, with further action confirmed this month by the GMB union.
During the industrial action, NHS services are likely to resemble those usually provided on public holidays. People in need of urgent assistance or with life-threatening conditions are advised to attend emergency departments or contact the emergency services as they would on any other day.
After talks with the Welsh Government broke down, Helen Whyley, director of RCN Wales, said: “RCN strikes are inevitable in Wales because the Welsh Government is making it so. This is the second time in as many weeks that the Welsh Government have brought RCN Wales to a meeting where they clearly have no intention of coming to a resolution on our dispute.
"Our door is always open for a meaningful discussion on fair pay for nursing but this must be a significant increase. The Welsh Government’s prolonging of this unnecessary crisis is reckless, self-defeating, and in no one’s interest.
"Low pay is fanning the flames of a workforce crisis and the rising number of registered nurse vacancies is already putting patients at risk. The pressure means nurses are caught between their responsibilities to their patients, their families, and their own health.
Enough is enough. Research shows low nurse staffing levels are linked to poor patient outcomes including an increase in patient mortality when then there aren't enough staff on shift. If the Welsh Government is serious about patient safety, they must act now. Nursing staff must be paid fairly for the safety critical work they do.”
Non-urgent or routine appointments are likely to be postponed. Health boards will inform patients and aim to reschedule new appointments as soon as possible.
The Welsh Government has advised people with non-life-threatening conditions to use the NHS Wales 111 digital service in the first instance. Local health board websites will provide the latest information on the strikes’ impact on local services.
Eluned Morgan, the Minister for Health and Social Services, said: “We believe all public sector workers should be fairly rewarded for the important work they do.
“The strikes which begin today will inevitably have a significant impact on NHS services. But we recognise the strength of feeling among staff, which the difficult decision to vote for industrial action reflects.
“While we were unable to avert this week’s industrial action, all partners have agreed to keep talking and continue to work together. We will work continue to bring together trade unions, employers and government to deliver the best possible outcomes for workers within the funding we have available.”