Over fifty workers responsible for testing samples at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital will walk out this month due to concerns that burnout and understaffing is putting patients at risk. Strikes are set to take place on 22, 23 and 27 May.

The members of Unite, the UK's leading union, work in the microbiology department at Liverpool Clinical Laboratories (which is part of the hospital trust). They play a key role in diagnosing infections at the hospital, analysing blood, tissue, and many other samples before a clinician uses the results to decide on the correct course of action for the patient.

However, 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, as they fear without change patients' lives will be at risk. Members are especially concerned that overworking can put them at high risk of making mistakes.

Meanwhile the short staffing also 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.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "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.

"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."

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 have created a toxic working environment. Members say they feel gaslighted, as when they raise concerns they are either dismissed or issues are not dealt with appropriately.

Regional officer Derek Jones said: “Our members at Liverpool Clinical Laboratories care deeply about their patients and feel they have no choice but to strike due to the gravity of the situation, as management have chronically dismissed their concerns.

"Management need to sit and 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.”

END

Notes to editors

Testimonials from three anonymous members of staff below

"The focus is very much on quantity rather than quality nowadays. It scares me that we might miss something or make a mistake because we don’t have adequate time to do everything. Patients deserve better."

“I try and do my best knowing there are patients depending on us. The workload keeps increasing and we aren’t able to carry on like this.”

"I worked hard studying to get the qualifications, then the knowledge and experience to do a job I used to love. It’s too much now and if it carries on I will have to walk away for my own wellbeing."

For media enquiries ONLY please contact Unite press officer Natasha Wynarczyk on 07970081524

Email: natasha.wynarczyk@unitetheunion.org