The nurses’ strikes in Wales will go ahead on Thursday 15 and 20 December as planned, the Royal College of Nursing in Wales has confirmed.
The pay dispute continues after RCN Wales, and other NHS unions, met with the Welsh Government on Monday to discuss the situation, but failed to reach a resolution.
Following the talks, a Welsh Government spokesperson claimed that “without additional funding from the UK Government we are not able to make an increased pay offer without risking a reduction in services”.
“We recognise the difficult position of those who work in the NHS in Wales and the strength of feeling,” they said.
They added: “While we were unable to avert the forthcoming industrial action, all partners have agreed to keep talking and to continue to work together on key issues.”
Most NHS nurses Wales, England and Northern Ireland have been handed a £1,400 pay increase for 2022-23 – much lower than the 5% plus inflation rise the RCN has been calling for.
Helen Whyley, director of RCN Wales, said: “RCN strikes are inevitable in Wales because the Welsh Government is making it so.”
She explained this had been the “second time in as many weeks that the Welsh Government have brought RCN Wales to a meeting where they clearly have no intention of coming to a resolution on our dispute”.
“Our door is always open for a meaningful discussion on fair pay for nursing but this must be a significant increase,” added Ms Whyley.
“The Welsh Government’s prolonging of this unnecessary crisis is reckless, self-defeating, and in no one’s interest.
“Low pay is fanning the flames of a workforce crisis and the rising number of registered nurse vacancies is already putting patients at risk.”
“RCN strikes are inevitable in Wales because the Welsh Government is making it so”
Such pressures meant “nurses are caught between their responsibilities to their patients, their families, and their own health”, warned Ms Whyley.
“Enough is enough. If the Welsh Government is serious about patient safety, they must act now,” she added.
“Nursing staff must be paid fairly for the safety critical work they do.”
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s executive director of nursing has thanked members of the public for their understanding ahead of planned industrial action.
Angela Wood said there had been extensive negotiations with the Royal College of Nursing over staffing levels ahead of the action, planned for Thursday, 15 December.
She also reiterated members of the public should not call the health board enquiring about any planned appointments on the day of action.
Patients will be contacted if there are any changes to treatment or appointments arranged around 15 December.
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, 15 December, 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.”
The health board has also announced visiting hours will be extended from today (Monday, December 12). Visitors will now be able to attend our acute sites between the hours of 10am and 8pm over the Christmas period.
There are separate arrangements for visiting patients in our maternity units. Partners are able to visit between 8am-8pm. Other visitors will be able attend between 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm.
However all other visiting guidelines will stay in place. See those here: Hospital Visiting – Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (nhs.wales)
“With increased visiting hours there comes an increased risk of infection brought in by members of the public,” said Angela Wood. “I would ask everyone visiting a friend or loved one to help us keep our hospitals safe.
“Please wear a mask, if able to do so. In addition, please remember to cleanse your hands after you have touched any surfaces, such as doors or door handles, and before you touch any personal items belonging to a patient.
“Finally, I want to praise all of our staff for their dedication and commitment over a really stressful, extended period.
“Regardless of whether our nurses are involved in industrial action or not, we are one team and our only concern is protecting the health of our population.”
