Hywel Dda prepared for strike action

Hywel Dda University Health Board is preparing to ensure the safe running of its services ahead of strike action next week.

The University Health Board has been informed that UNISON and UCATT have voted in favour of industrial action in response to the Welsh Government’s pay offer to NHS staff in Wales. The strike action is planned for Monday 10 November 2014 between the hours of 8.30am and 12.00 noon and there is potential for further limited action for the remainder of that week.

It is anticipated this will cause a significant impact on a number of services throughout the week and so contingency plans have been made in order to maintain as many services as possible without compromising quality and safety.

The University Health Board is also working with staff and the Unions to consider the effect industrial action will have on urgent and emergency services and how these services can be provided in a safe way throughout the week. Decisions about outpatient appointments and urgent elective services will be made once the effect on services is fully assessed and the University Health Board will inform patients affected by any decisions directly and appointments will be rebooked as soon as possible.

Managers across the health service are in discussions with their staff to plan rotas and to cover areas of need. The University Health Board has encouraged staff who are either not in a Trade Union or are members of a Trade Union which is not taking strike action, to attend work as normal during the period of industrial action.

Lisa Gostling, Director of Workforce and Organisational Development, said: “We are very grateful for the cooperation of our staff in preparing for potential strike action. The safety and care of our patients is of vital importance and every effort has been made to ensure patients experience minimal disruption to their care”.

If you are receiving planned care or treatment during the industrial action you will be contacted directly and in advance by the University Health Board.

The University Health Board is also asking people to think carefully whether they need to attend A&E during this period. It will be an exceptionally busy time for all hospitals and evidence shows people still go to A&E or dial 999 when there are other health services that are more convenient and appropriate. This is part of the national campaign – Choose Well – to inform the public on how to choose the most appropriate care for their given situation.

If you ever require unscheduled healthcare, and don’t know which option to choose, contact NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 or visit www.choosewellwales.org.uk but in emergency situations always call 999.