A critical incident has been declared at four Lincolnshire hospitals because of staff shortages due to Covid-19.
In a leaked memo dated Sunday 2 January, sent to staff at hospitals in Lincoln, Grantham, Boston and Louth, the Trust said it was ‘unable to maintain safe staffing levels’ causing ‘compromised care’.
Figures showed the number of staff members absent because they were ill or quarantining with Covid-19 had doubled in the month before Christmas, with 150 staff isolating on Boxing Day.
As UNISON represents a large number of staff across the four hospital sites, East Midlands regional manager Keith Libetta appeared on Channel 4 News to speak up for members who are having to deal with these challenging conditions.
East Midlands regional organiser and secretary to the health committee Carol Brown said:
“It’s safe to say the staffing shortages aren’t just a consequence of the pandemic; it’s ten years of cuts by this Government finally coming home to roost. The Prime Minister clapped for keyworkers during the first lockdown, but since then he’s done nothing to repay their incredible service and the sacrifices they have made.
“Staff need to be given proper opportunities to rest and recuperate after these exhausting times and need support for their mental health and wellbeing which have taken a battering for two years. Unless there are serious steps to sort out the staffing crisis morale will sink even lower.”
If you’re a UNISON member struggling to cope with your current working conditions and need help, contact our welfare charity, There for You, which provides a confidential advice and support service for you and your family.