NHS reassurance on strike
NHS Highland has confirmed that plans are in place to manage Industrial Action planned by the Society of Radiographers on Monday (Oct 20) from 09.00 – 13.00 across a number of sites.
Deborah Jones, Chief Operating Officer for NHS Highland said: “Our priority at all times is to ensure we run a safe service. We would like to reassure patients and the wider public that there will be no disruption to emergency services.
“While core clinical services will be running as normal including cancer radiotherapy treatments, renal dialysis, emergency mental health and maternity services some patient appointments have been cancelled, they will be re-arranged for other dates.
“We respect the right of our colleagues to take industrial action. They also have a right to picket during industrial action. Our Trade Union representatives have been cooperating with Senior Managers to make sure that any picket lines are located safely and conducted in line with relevant guidance.
“I would like to stress that any patient who has been asked to attend for a scheduled appointment on Monday morning should make sure that they do come in and attend. Staff taking strike action will not be picketing patients nor seeking to disrupt essential emergency services.”
Adam Palmer, NHS Highland Joint Trade Union Chair, added: “People attending many hospital services may see our members picketing but they should not worry about this at all. Our briefing to pickets has been clear and that is to treat all members of the public and staff with the greatest respect. . We also hope that patients and/or visitors will support the staff who are taking action to press for a decent pay rise for hard pressed NHS staff.”
As part of NHS Highland’s Business Continuity Plans planning has already begun to ensure that any patient who has had to be cancelled will be re-booked in a timely manner as a matter of priority.
