Members of the Royal College of Nursing are staging strike action on Wednesday and Thursday this week, impacting on services at Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Nurses took to the picket lines outside the hospital in Ashton, attracting national headlines in doing so, as the dispute with the government over pay and conditions widened across health trusts across the country.

More locally services at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust were also affected.

However, members of the public were being reassured that they should continue to use health services as usual despite the strike.

Mandy Philbin, Chief Nurse at Greater Manchester Integrated Care, said: “Our key message for the public during this week’s strike action is that nobody should put off seeking emergency care. There will inevitably be an impact on services, however we are working with partners to put plans in place to minimise disruption, and key life-saving services will continue."

She continued: "The chief nurse at Tameside has worked hard to ensure the emergency department is fully functioning for the strike provisions that we’ve got.

“The public’s support this winter taking onboard our ask to consider the most appropriate NHS service for their needs has been much appreciated.

“I urge that people continue to use NHS 111 online for information and support on where they can go to get the most suitable treatment quickly, only calling 999 or attending A&E for life-threatening emergencies, so that our urgent care resources are available to those who really need it.

“Also please remember, that if your hospital or GP have not contacted you, attend your appointments as planned.

“Our priority, as always, is to provide safe and high-quality care for the people of Greater Manchester and our services are working hard to ensure that where possible minimal disruption is felt. During the days of strike action, you may experience longer wait times for services as we see to the very sick and seriously injured first. I ask that you remain patient with us, and I thank the staff working hard during these difficult circumstances.”

A spokesperson for the RCN at Tameside Hospital said members were appealing for safer staffing levels and proper pay, saying nurses were having to turn to food banks to make ends meet.

“This is the first time we have taken action at Tameside and we appreciate the support from the public.”

Ambulance workers from Unison and Unite will also be taking further action next week on Monday (23 January). Ambulance workers from GMB have confirmed industrial action next Tuesday (24 January). 

Images by Nigel Wood 

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