NHS strikes leads Trust executive to call for 'national resolution'

Matthew Hopkins, from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, has called for national action to be taken in order to find a resolution to NHS workers going on strike. 

Thousands of NHS staff across Worcestershire have been taking part in industrial action in December and January due to disputes over working conditions and pay. 

Mr Hopkins, who was talking on behalf of the Trust at the Acute Trust Board meeting, said: "The impact will last for a long time and a resolution needs to be found on government and national level. 

"There is a need for a national resolution, it is affecting every trust in the country."

Strike action first started in December and ambulance workers have formed a picket line outside Bromsgrove Ambulance Hub on Lickey End. 

Declan Downes,44 and Richard Malin, 55 were taking part in the strike (Image: NQ)

There were longer ambulance wait times over the Christmas period but Paul Brennan, chief operating officer, said the ambulance wait times have started to decrease in the new year. 

However, Monday (February 6) was the largest walkout in the history of the NHS because nurses and ambulance workers both walked out on the same day. 

Striking nurses outside Worcestershire Royal Hospital on Monday, February 6 (Image: NQ)

The was expected to cause disruptions across the country as thousands of NHS staff took part in industrial action.

Mr Hopkins claims patient diagnosis and operations were not cancelled on Monday despite facing major disruptions.

However, in January the government introduced new laws to mitigate industrial action.

The new laws allow the government to set minimum levels of service which must be met while strikes are taking place. 

The strike bill can stop people working for services such as rail, ambulances, and fire services from going on strike completely because they are now required to provide a minimum service during industrial action.

Grant Shapps, business secretary, said: "We do not want to have to use this legislation unless we have to, but we must ensure the safety of the British public.”