Friday 17 April 2020
For immediate release
Commenting on the emergency measures published today (Friday) by Public Health England, UNISON head of health Sara Gorton said: “These are absolute worst case scenario measures, which staff hope their organisations won’t have to implement.
“No part of the NHS should use this move as an excuse to ration supplies of gowns when they still have stocks. That would cause a damaging breakdown of trust at a time when staff are working under intense pressure.
“Managers must be truly honest with health workers and their union reps over the weekend. If gowns run out, staff in high risk areas may well decide that it’s no longer safe for them to work.”
Note to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in both the public and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk