LISTEN: Unions issue joint message to health staff as Northern Ireland faces its 'worst winter ever'

By Q Radio News

Health unions are warning that the health service in Northern Ireland is facing its "worst winter ever" as the Omicron variant continues to spread.

In a joint message the 11 unions have issued a message of solidarity to their members as they prepare to face the full extent of the latest variant.

Yesterday there were 2,349 confirmed cases of the new strain here.

The message comes as the Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland issued a warning stating that the Omicron variant is spreading rapidly and is likely to be dominant or close to dominant in Northern Ireland by Christmas.

LISTEN: 11 health unions issue joint message to health staff as Northern Ireland faces its 'worst winter ever'.https://t.co/cAjfnLhU1z

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The stark warning also comes as hospitals, ED, social care and GP services are already working under unprecedented strain.

The message is as below.

“We are sending out a message of solidarity to our incredible colleagues that everything you are doing in the fight against the virus is valued and appreciated.

"We are 100% behind you and support all of the hard work you have undertaken over the course of this pandemic that started over 20 months ago.

“Ensuring staff wellbeing is at the top of the list is crucial as we enter what is likely to be the toughest period on record.

"We know many of you will be working over Christmas and the New Year, as we do every year, to make sure that we continue to deliver services to meet the needs of patients. For everyone that is working over the next few weeks, thank you.

“This is going to be one of the hardest periods we have ever faced. We know many of you are already exhausted and these next weeks will be a huge challenge.

“A major health effort to mitigate against the worst effects of the virus is currently underway with the booster campaign being accelerated across GP surgeries, Trust vaccination centres and community pharmacies.

"This accelerated vaccine drive across Northern Ireland is witness to a hugely impressive mass mobilisation of staff, who are determined to deliver the best line of defence we have against the virus.

"We also hope it will prevent our health service from being overwhelmed and facing a precarious workforce and bed shortage.

“This booster initiative is crucial given the speed at which Omicron is spreading.

"Reducing the number of people infected by Omicron will minimise the number of hospitalisations and take the strain off our health and social care services, especially our Emergency Departments.

"Every extra booster dose administered will not only protect you and your family, it will help ensure your health service can stay open to meet the needs of all adults and children.

"It also means we will be in a better position to support and care for those patients whose planned surgical treatments have been delayed or cancelled.

“The pressure on staff over the next few weeks will be immense.

"These are workers who are going into health settings every day, putting their lives on the line for patients and there is no doubt it has taken its toll on their physical and mental wellbeing.

"Please respect them and recognise the difficult circumstances they are working under.

"There is no excuse for verbal or physical abuse on our staff. Such actions are wrong and are ultimately counterproductive.

"Across society, there should a total acceptance that caring for our health care workforce is the absolute priority.

"We must treasure the staff we have today whilst making effective plans to build an appropriate and resilient workforce that meets the demand of the future.”

Meanwhile, public health expert Brian McCloskey says more probably should be done by government now rather than later: