Employers say strike will cause staff anxiety

Today’s industrial action by doctors will cause anxiety to other NHS staff as well as distressing patients, who ‘should not be dragged into the argument’ between doctors and the Government, claims the NHS Confederation.

Dean Royles, director of NHS Employers – which is part of the Confederation – stated that staff will be worried about the strike’s effect on patients. He said: “It is hugely disappointing that the NHS and its patients are facing this day of industrial action. We are deeply concerned about the distress it will cause patients, as well as the anxiety it will cause to many of our staff who want to ensure their patients are not put at risk.”

Mr Royles also issued a warning about the long-term effect of the strike on the relationship between colleagues, and on public confidence. He cautioned: “Feelings run high about industrial action. An ill-timed word or comment between staff can contaminate relationships and poison working environments for months or years to come.

“Doctors also know public confidence in them may be damaged by this action. Our success in the future depends on the maturity of our relationships.”

NHS Confederation chief executive Mike Farrar added: “Whatever the right and wrongs of this dispute between doctors and the Government, I feel passionately that patients should not be dragged into the argument.

“NHS trusts have been pulling out all the stops to minimise the effect on patients. But this day will have an impact on the service and will cause disruption for many.

“Good relations between all the constituent parts of the NHS are crucial to its success. It is important that strong feelings about pensions do not spill over into the longer term.”