Don’t patronise us

Nurses’ anger over Health Secretary’s offer of free cuppa rather than pay rise

STRIKING nurses could be offered free hot drinks instead of better pay in a move dubbed “patronising tea and sympathy”.

Health Secretary Steve Barclay will reportedly propose perks such as free coffee, breakfasts and parking to those set to strike as he tries to show he understands anger over working conditions.

Mr Barclay yesterday repeated his promise to resume talks with the Royal College of Nursing about those conditions – but not pay.

Speaking on a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, West London, Mr Barclay said: “The priority for me is to continue the dialogue with the trade unions, with the RCN. I’ve been extremely clear that my door is open.

“They have raised a range of issues, not just pay, but also about working conditions, patient safety. And so I’m very happy to continue that dialogue.”

His pledge follows reports Armed Forces personnel could drive ambulances and stand in for frontline hospital roles under contingency plans being prepared for the strikes on December 15 and 20. Mr Barclay said he has not formally contacted the military about stepping in to assist during walkouts, but officials will consider a “range of options”.

An RCN spokesman said: “When the Government would rather send for the military than negotiate with nurses, their priorities are seriously amiss.

“Today’s reports of striking nurses to be offered hot drinks by the minister shows this has become a patronising case of ‘tea and sympathy’.”

NHS England chief Amanda Pritchard yesterday told MPS patients will not have procedures cancelled at the last minute due to strikes and would receive updates about any changes to upcoming treatments “sooner rather than later”.

The Treasury is reportedly “not countenancing” new pay negotiations as the Government is expected to blame striking carers for growing NHS backlogs that have reached 7.1 million appointments in England alone.

Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “The Conservatives don’t have a plan to fix the NHS, so instead they’re letting strikes go ahead and blaming nurses. This is not a game and it is patients who will pay the price.”

However, a government spokesman said: “We hugely value the hard work of all NHS staff and we are doing what we can to help ease pressures put on the health and care system as result of winter and Covid.”