Union members claim they are being ‘gaslit’ by hospital leadership
Royal Liverpool Hospital(Image: Andrew Teebay)
Dozens of “exhausted” hospital lab technicians are to strike over fears mistakes could be made amid a lack of experienced workers. More than 50 workers responsible for testing samples at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital will walk out this month due to concerns that burnout and understaffing is putting patients at risk.
Strikes by members of Unite the Union are scheduled to take place on May 22, 23 and 27. The staff work in the microbiology department at Liverpool Clinical Laboratories, which is part of the Liverpool University Hospital trust.
They play a key role in diagnosing infections at the hospital, analysing blood, tissue, and many other samples before a clinician uses the results to decide on the correct course of action for the patient. However, Unite claims problems in the department has arisen such as staff retention and workers often being unable to arrange sufficient rest time to spend with their families.
As a result, members have voted for strike action, as they fear without change patients’ lives will be at risk. Members are especially concerned that overworking can put them at high risk of making mistakes.
They say short staffing means some test results are taking longer than they should, potentially leaving patients exposed to fatal infections such as sepsis, which can spread quickly and kill within 24 hours if left untreated.
Liverpool Clinical Laboratories has said they are committed to maintaining standards and clinical turnaround times, and respected their workers’ rights to take strike action.
Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said: “The situation with test results at Liverpool University Hospitals is becoming dangerous – and our members are not prepared to stand back and put patients’ lives at risk. Liverpool Clinical Laboratories need to wake up to what workers are telling them and realise the gravity of the situation.
“Our members have the full, unwavering support of Unite throughout this dispute.”
The new Royal Liverpool hospital(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
As well as saying they are suffering from exhaustion due to the frequency of night, late, and weekend shifts, members at Liverpool Clinical Laboratories say there are not enough fully trained staff to safely and effectively run the service.
Meanwhile, members also say senior management have created a toxic working environment. Workers claim they feel gaslighted, as when they raise concerns they are either dismissed or issues are not dealt with appropriately.
Regional officer Derek Jones said: “Our members at Liverpool Clinical Laboratories care deeply about their patients and feel they have no choice but to strike due to the gravity of the situation, as management have chronically dismissed their concerns. Management need to sit up and listen to our members.
“They are seeking a clear commitment that Liverpool Clinical Laboratories will recruit more staff, who are experienced and have adequate training.”
A spokesperson for Liverpool Clinical Laboratories, said: “We remain in ongoing dialogue with Unite the Union relating to planned industrial action by the Microbiology service.
“We value our employees and respect their right to take action and we remain committed to finding a fair resolution to this dispute. We are committed to maintaining our standards of patient safety to ensure urgent samples continue to be tested within normal clinical turnaround times to ensure our patients receive the care and treatment they need.”