NHS leaders urge nurses’ union to reconsider escalation of strike action

NHS leaders have raised concerns about patient safety if the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) goes ahead with planned strike action during which all members are being asked to stop working for 48 hours.Members of the RCN in England are preparing to take strike action from 8 pm on 30 April until 8 pm on 2 May. The action on 2 May is currently subject to a legal challenge by the government.If the strike goes ahead the RCN has said that there will be no exemptions or “derogations,” meaning that all members, including registered nurses, midwives, students, and nursing support workers, will be expected not to turn up for work in the 125 trusts and systems with a mandate to strike.The NHS Confederation, which represents NHS leaders, has warned that as a result, not even “life and limb” cover would be provided.NHS Confederation chief executive Matthew Taylor said, “NHS leaders…
Read Original Article: NHS leaders urge nurses’ union to reconsider escalation of strike action »