Hospital biomedical scientists set to walk out in workload row

Biomedical scientists at several hospitals are set take part in industrial action over concerns about "unsustainable workloads" putting patient safety at risk.

The strikes, due to begin on Monday and with further walkouts on 7 and 11 October, will include microbiologists at York Hospital and blood scientists at Scarborough Hospital and Bridlington Hospital.

The Unite union said about 60 members are set to strike as a "last resort", with the action leading to some routine testing being cancelled and delays to non-urgent treatments.

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it was working to "ensure we continue to provide safe care for our patients" during the strike.

The workload issues began after a biomedical laboratory was closed at Scarborough Hospital two years ago, Unite said, leading to increased pressure on other units within the trust.

Sharon Graham, the union's general secretary, said: "It is a disgrace that the York and Scarborough trust is risking the safety of patients.

"Our members have been forced to take this action as a last resort to highlight the unsustainable workloads they are forced to undertake."

Chris Daly, Unite regional officer, said: "Instead of recruiting more staff, the trust have closed laboratories and have overseen an exodus of highly trained senior scientists.

"This cannot be allowed to continue."

In a statement, the trust said: "We are working closely with our staff and union representatives to ensure we continue to provide safe care for our patients during any period of industrial action.