Continuing shortages of workers in the National Health Service compromises the health and safety of patients and puts incredible stress on staff, were the conclusions reached at the Annual Delegates Conference.

The working time regulations are being ‘flouted daily’ at hospital departments across the UK, delegates were told. Work related stress is on the rise, causing absenteeism and placing an even greater burden on the workforce.

“This is a public safety issue. As a patient would you prefer to be looked after by someone who is happy in their job and can give you proper attention and care because they have the time, or an individual who is stressed, over-tired and is being pulled in a hundred different directions at once?” said Warren Town, the Society’s director of industrial relations.

He continued: “The government do not seem to understand that unwell and unhappy workers are not going to deliver health service reforms effectively. It is in the employer’s interest to look after their workers, but the government consistently fails to see the obvious benefits.

“We are asking health and safety representatives to carry out a risk assessment in their department to pinpoint problems to try and defuse this ticking time bomb,” Warren Town said.

“NHS managers and the government have got to realise that they can’t just keep piling on more and more targets without providing the resources and staff.

“Radiographers are subject to unprecedented pressures. The problems include bullying, violence, and work-related injuries, as well as extreme stress caused by constant organisational change, the threat of redundancy, vacancy freezes and working in a target-driven environment.

“We need a pro-active, well-staffed and holistic occupational health service that promotes preventative strategies and effective rehabilitation.”

Posted: 15/04/2008