How we’re preparing for winter
In a message to Barts Health staff, group chief medical officer Alistair Chesser thanks them for their resilience and outlines how our hospitals will manage the pressures this winter.
This winter is not proving an easy time for anyone. The escalating cost of living, the disruption to travel, the ongoing postal dispute and the freezing weather are all taking their toll. We recognise the pressures that people are feeling in these tough times, and as an organisation will do all we can to support your health and wellbeing.
The NHS will feel the squeeze this week when the Royal College of Nursing holds its first one-day strike in workplaces where a majority voted to take industrial action. RCN members employed in the Barts Health group did not reach that legal threshold, but we recognise the strength of feeling among those colleagues who wanted to express their dissatisfaction with pay and conditions. We are working with them and their representatives to minimise any risk to our patients.
We want to see a resolution to the dispute as soon as possible but pay is a matter for the Government and the trade unions. Our task is to keep patients safe during any disruption, while delivering the best care possible. Patients should continue to attend appointments as planned, and nobody should put off seeking urgent or emergency care. We will be working as normal, alongside GPs and the other hospitals across north east London.
This will also be the case next week when ambulance workers go on strike. Our emergency departments will continue to receive blue-light cases. Unlike other sectors, employers and unions in health have agreed that some union members will continue working during a strike to make sure patients are safe.
The industrial unrest has given an added dimension to our contingency preparations for winter this year, and we have now agreed plans with all our hospitals to manage an expected increase in demand over the coming weeks. You can read a summary of the arrangements in Staying safe and well this winter.
I know many of you have been exploring opportunities for innovating and introducing new ways of working to meet the operational challenges we face. We are immensely grateful to all of you for your commitment to our patients, your resilience at this time of uncertainty, and your willingness to adapt to circumstances.
Thank you.
Alistair