‘We strike for the future of the NHS’: Nurses strike action begins

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.

As part of discussions ahead of industrial action, NHS employers and trade unions mutually agree exemptions from strike action, or ‘derogations’, to ensure the continuity of urgent or life-threatening care during any strikes.

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.

RCN General Secretary & Chief Executive Pat Cullen said:

For many of us, this is our first time striking and our emotions are really mixed.

The NHS is in crisis, the nursing profession can’t take any more, our loved ones are already suffering.

It is not unreasonable to demand better. This is not something that can wait. We are committed to our patients and always will be.

We’re campaigning for a pay rise to overcome years of real-terms pay cuts and to protect patient safety by allowing the NHS to recruit and retain the nursing staff it desperately needs.

The Welsh Government has advised people with non-life-threatening conditions to use the NHS Wales 111 digital service in the first instance.

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.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s executive director of nursing has thanked members of the public for their understanding during the industrial action.

Angela Wood said there had been extensive negotiations with the Royal College of Nursing over staffing levels ahead of the action.

She also reiterated members of the public should not call the health board enquiring about any planned appointments on the day of action.

Angela Wood confirmed cancer and urgent surgery will be prioritised and the health board will continue to maximise the use of outpatient and day case facilities.

She added: “Patients due to attend our acute sites and those in the community on Thursday, December 15, should attend as normal, unless advised by our staff not to do so.

“For anyone affected, alternative dates will be found and I thank them for their understanding as we work through those arrangements. Those due to undergo some other planned inpatient surgery will be reappointed as soon as possible.”