Staff running on empty at Barnsley Hospital

A survey by GMB union has revealed that 75% of staff are working as much as 10 hours of extra unpaid work in the fight against COVID-19

GMB, the union for NHS staff, has called on Barnsley Hospital Foundation Trust to “do whatever it takes” to ensure that staff shortages are overcome and that workers are properly rested before undertaking work.

A survey conducted by the union highlighted at least 75% of GMB members are working as much as 10 hours unpaid overtime a week due to staff shortages, with many doing more than 11 hours.

The survey also highlighted that 67% of staff don’t finish shifts on time due to caring duties, and around 75% didn’t take their allocated breaks.

GMB has described the situation a disgrace and called on the Trust to take whatever measures necessary to ensure that the hospital is adequately staffed.

Ben Kirkham, GMB Yorkshire regional officer said:

“It’s a disgrace that these dedicated staff, who always put their patients first, are having to pick up the bill and at the cost of their health and wellbeing.

“The staff are running on empty, overworked and more susceptible to infection. This really isn’t good enough for members who are risking their health and the health of their families.

"The trust now has to do whatever it takes to ensure that there are enough staff on hand for members to be able to take their break and are that staff are paid the full rate for overtime.”