NHS bosses warn of ‘most worrying’ strike yet when nurses walk out this weekend
NHS bosses are warning of the “most worrying” strike action so far when nurses walk out this weekend.
Incredibly, the Royal College of Nursing only agreed to provide cover at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London after a warning that sick children would be put at risk.
It came as a GMB vote to accept a deal brought hope of an end to the NHS pay row.
But nurses will strike tomorrow and Monday.
Sir Julian Hartley, boss of NHS Providers which represents hospitals, said: “Leaders have told us this is the most worrying so far.”
NHS England said “life- critical” care will be the top priority.
It warned the RCN’s refusal to guarantee A&E, intensive care or cancer staff will make it extra damaging.
The RCN said: “Nurses are intensifying the action because the strike so far has not produced a good enough offer.”
Most NHS staff hope for a breakthrough with a crunch meeting on Tuesday.