Burnt-out nurses warn of ‘burnout’ and ‘risks to patient safety’ from shift extensions – South London News

“Staff told us that assistants were asked to work overtime on average once or twice a month.”

The union said staff were already “chronically overworked” and changing shift times “compromises patient safety as they are exhausted”. Unite said further industrial action would be scheduled if the dispute was not resolved.

The nurses previously went on strike on June 27 and July 2.

During the strike, Unite will present a petition from patients and the public to the trust’s board, supporting the nurse’s position. There will also be demonstrations at the hospital, the health department and NHS England.

Unite regional officer Tabusam Ahmed said: “The NHS is in desperate need of investment, but this cannot be solved by overstretching staff until they drop, which is happening at Guys and St Thomas.” The trust’s plans to force nurses to work later will destroy their work-life balance and lead to an exodus of staff.

“This dispute will continue to escalate until the management of the trust proposes an acceptable solution.”

A spokeswoman for Guy’s and St Thomas” said: “We strongly encourage Unite to end their refusal to join talks with Acas and find a solution that benefits staff and patients.”

Pictured above: Nurses strike at Guy’s and St Thomas’ theater (Image: Unite the Union)

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