Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust issues statement about nurse strike action
300,000 nurses across the country voted in favour of strike action on Wednesday November 9, for the first time in the Royal College of Nursing’s 106 year history.
The union, said the strike will impact the majority of NHS employers, as workers take action against pay levels, safe staffing and patient safety concerns.
There are no official dates confirmed for strike action yet but the first action is expected to take place before Christmas.
If an agreement is made between the union and the NHS, the strike action will be suspended. Strike action will limit the level of care the NHS can provide across the country. However, ensuring that emergency services and A&E services are still running will be a priority of the NHS.
Hospitals will be providing a weekend or Bank Holiday level of care.
Non-urgent operations will be postponed as well as outpatient visits and sessions of chemotherapy and kidney dialysis.
Today a statement was issued by Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust:
"Many will have seen this week's news that the Royal College of Nurses has voted to take strike action. Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust will be one of the Trusts impacted by the planned action.
We want to reassure patients and the local community that we have planned and prepared for this eventuality and maintaining care levels during the strike is our top priority. Other unions are currently balloting their members on industrial action. We will communicate again once we have more detail to share."
Healthwatch Wokingham Borough will continue to share information with you on local strike action as it comes in.