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11/11/2022
Dept Of Health 'Shares The Frustration" Of NI Health Care Staff
The Department of Health (DoH) has said that it "shares the frustration" of NI health care staff as nurses across the UK vote for strike action in a pay dispute.
The DoH said that acknowledges the outcome of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) ballot on industrial action. GMB members working in the NI health service have also voted for industrial action and ballots are ongoing at other health unions.
In a statement responding to the potential strike action, the DoH said: "The Department shares the frustration of NI health care staff at the ongoing absence of a pay award for this year. Due to unprecedented circumstances, we have been unable to progress with national NHS pay body recommendations for 2022/23. A NI public sector pay policy is not in place for this year and very significant financial pressures are facing this Department and the wider NI public sector.
"We will continue to liaise with the Northern Ireland Office in relation to our financial position.
"We greatly value our health care staff and very much regret that so many of them believe industrial action is necessary.
NI's health and social care system is planning for a very difficult winter period.
"In the event of strike action proceeding, the Department and HSC Trusts will work closely with trade unions with a view to protecting critical services as much as possible.
"However, there will inevitably be an impact on patient care, and further impairment of already highly pressurised services."
The DoH said that acknowledges the outcome of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) ballot on industrial action. GMB members working in the NI health service have also voted for industrial action and ballots are ongoing at other health unions.
In a statement responding to the potential strike action, the DoH said: "The Department shares the frustration of NI health care staff at the ongoing absence of a pay award for this year. Due to unprecedented circumstances, we have been unable to progress with national NHS pay body recommendations for 2022/23. A NI public sector pay policy is not in place for this year and very significant financial pressures are facing this Department and the wider NI public sector.
"We will continue to liaise with the Northern Ireland Office in relation to our financial position.
"We greatly value our health care staff and very much regret that so many of them believe industrial action is necessary.
NI's health and social care system is planning for a very difficult winter period.
"In the event of strike action proceeding, the Department and HSC Trusts will work closely with trade unions with a view to protecting critical services as much as possible.
"However, there will inevitably be an impact on patient care, and further impairment of already highly pressurised services."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry day with any low cloud and mist clearing during the morning leaving long spells of warm sunshine. Breezy at times around the coast. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:A fine end to the day with some sunshine, then clear spells overnight. Low cloud could form around some Irish Sea coasts later in the night. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
