Friday 8 January 2021
For immediate release
Mayor is right to declare major incident, says UNISON
UNISON, the UK’s largest health union has backed Mayor Sadiq Khan’s decision to declare a major incident in London today (Friday).
NHS staff are under enormous pressure and their capacity to provide care is close to breaking point after battling wave after wave of the virus, says the union.
If infection rates and hospital admissions can’t be brought under control, there’s a real risk Londoners may not get the care they need, says UNISON.
UNISON Greater London regional secretary, Maggi Ferncombe said: “Unless more is done right now, London’s hospitals could be overwhelmed. The service is close to breaking point.
“Health staff have delivered time and time again, despite battling the virus for the past year. But they’re running on fumes and can’t physically give any more.
“I urge Londoners to help health workers by staying at home, socially distancing, wearing a mask and taking this very dangerous situation seriously.”
Notes 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 voluntary, public and private sectors.
Media contact:
Emma Davey M: 07432 733187 E: e.davey@unison.co.uk