More than 50 workers at Liverpool Clinical Laboratories are striking because they say that overwork is putting them at high risk of making mistakes and endangering patient safety.
More than 50 workers responsible for testing samples at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital will strike on 22, 23 and 27 May, due to concerns that burnout and understaffing are putting patients at risk.
The members of the trade union Unite work in the microbiology department at Liverpool Clinical Laboratories, part of Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and analyse blood, tissue and other samples before a clinician uses the results to decide on the correct course of action for the patient.
Problems in the department, such as poor staff retention and workers often being unable to arrange sufficient rest time to spend with their families, means members have overwhelmingly voted for strike action. Members have said that they are concerned that overworking can put them at high risk of making mistakes and endanger patient safety.
“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,” said Unite general secretary Sharon Graham. “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.”
Overworked and not supported
Short staffing means some test results are taking far 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.
As well as 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 has created a toxic working environment. They say they feel gaslighted, as when they raise concerns they are either dismissed or issues are not dealt with appropriately.
“Management needs 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,” said Unite regional officer Derek Jones.
In late April, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated Urgent and Emergency Care at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital as Good. This is an improvement from the service’s previous rating of Inadequate.
