The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Strike threat off after porters get extra protection
Health: Fears following needle injuries addressed
Union bosses have welcomed moves by health chiefs to put in place measures to protect porters at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness who are dealing with clinical waste – including extra staff.
GMB Scotland had threatened strike action after claiming four workers had recently suffered needle wounds working with the specialist waste.
They had also claimed porters were threatened with disciplinary action if they refused to take on extra work.
But after talks with management, the union’s regional officer Liz Gordon said the outcome had been positive.
She said: “I’m delighted that NHS Highland have finally put measures in place to protect Raigmore porters.
“This was never an issue of who did what according to the contract, it was a matter of health and safety and clearly this was not treated with the greatest priority as demonstrated by the number of injured porters.
“We will be closely monitoring the situation, but with additional staff, suitable protective clothing and measures to ensure infection control, I believe this matter has been dealt with.”
An NHS Highland spokeswoman confirmed: “Following further discussion with staff, extra
“This was not an issue of who did what according to the contract”
measures have been put in place from today.
“This has involved taking in two external members of staff to handle the movement of clinical waste from the waste area to the container.
“These staff will be on site Monday-Friday with one available over the weekend. Additional waste bins have also been brought ontothesite.”
The union’s allegations came after NHS Highland, among other health authorities across the country, terminated contracts with North Lanarkshire-based Healthcare Environmental Services amid rising concerns over the capability of the firm to conduct disposal works.
Another firm is expected to take over the contract in April but in the meantime porters are being asked to take on extra duties with the waste.