Hundreds of frontline NHS hospital staff set to strike for two days

Hundreds of ward clerks at Scotland’s largest health board will be taking strike action outside hospitals for two days.

It comes after they voted “overwhelmingly” in favour of strike action in a dispute over pay and grading.

Almost all (98%) of the administrators were balloted by the Unison trade union, which says it follows “years of delays” in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s review of their roles.

More than 220 members will now strike outside Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Royal Alexandra Hospital, and the Inverclyde Royal Hospital on Wednesday and Thursday morning.

A rally outside the board headquarters at JB Russell house will then follow at 11.30am.

‘Significant disruption’

Unison has said that the essential staff, mostly made up of women, are among those who receive the lowest NHS pay grade despite ward clerk duties “increasing substantially”.

The union says strike action by ward clerks would affect every hospital in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.

The dispute could lead to delays in processing essential paperwork, ordering equipment and coordinating administrative tasks, adds the union.

UNISON Unison NHS Glasgow Clyde & CVS branch secretary Frances Carmichael said: “This is the first strike in the NHS in Scotland for more than five years. That shows the strength of feeling.

“These skilled workers are essential to the running of hospitals. Without them, doctors and nurses would be dealing with paperwork rather than focusing on patient care.

“The NHS is already under great strain. The health board must get back around the table to find a solution. No one wants to take strike action, but ward clerks feel they’ve little choice.”

A NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde spokesperson said: “NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde greatly values the work of our Ward Clerks and remains committed to working in partnership with trade union representatives and staff to resolve the outstanding issues.

“We continue to engage constructively and remain open to further discussions.

“Patient safety remains our highest priority throughout this period. Contingency plans are in place to support the safe delivery of patient care, and we expect services to operate as normal. We will continue to monitor arrangements closely throughout any period of industrial action.”