Colchester Hospital staff stage walk-out over outsourcing

Non-medical staff at the hospital are striking over plans to outsource their jobs by the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT).

The walk out will begin today, August 19, and continue until Friday, August 23.

The Unison union has slammed the proposals, and claims NHS bosses are "selling" workers' jobs.

Colchester MP Pam Cox says she has spoken with staff about the situation. 

She said: "It is disappointing that the situation at Colchester Hospital has led to strike action. 

“Over the last few months, I have listened to the concerns of NHS staff and constituents arising from the possible outsourcing of facilities services, such as cleaning, portering and security.

"Staff at Colchester Hospital work incredibly hard.  

MP - Colchester MP Pam Cox is urging both parties to find a solution (Image: Colchester Labour)

“They deserve good working conditions and fair, long-term employment contracts. I have shared these concerns with the NHS trust management.

"I know that staff only ever go out on strike as a last resort. 

 “I want to see the staff concerned retained on NHS terms and conditions, and patients receive the highest quality care.

"I urge ESNEFT and Unison to seek a resolution to this dispute so that we can tackle the waiting list backlog and get the NHS back on its feet." 

The Gazette understands the walk-out could lead to meals not being served to inpatients, no bin-emptying and cleaning, as well as no movement of equipment such as medical scanners. 

Nick Hulme, chief executive of ESNEFT which runs Colchester and Ipswich hospitals and community hospitals, said he was disappointed by the strike action. 

He said: “Our top priority is patient care and safety and we are working hard to plan for the period of industrial action to make sure everyone who uses our hospitals continues to receive the service they expect.  

Boss - ESNEFT chief executive Nick Hulme (Image: Warren Page/Pagepix)

“We are disappointed that Unison has gone down this route while we are still involved in ongoing conversations with them and their members. We are listening to our staff about the issues that are important to them. 

“A full business case has not yet been submitted to the trust board and we remain keen to engage with our staff, and our staff side colleagues, including Unison, so we get the best possible service for our patients.”