UNISON CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION ON COMMUNITY CARE

“While we appreciate that Health Service management is under increasing strain, the anxiety level of community nurses, home carers and other community based staff is growing as they confront not only their own very real concerns but those of the clients, patients and families they serve.

UNISON negotiators have been working tirelessly with health service management to secure proper guidance and PPE packs for all community based health workers, including home care workers in the private sector but this is now taking too long and the community health workforce is becoming increasingly distressed at the absence of both.

It is imperative that we protect our vital community health and social care services.   We are now calling on the Health Minister, the Department of Health and Trusts CEOs to ensure that guidance and equipment is issued from today and that public statements are made to re-assure clients, patients that the staff.”