Industrial action taking place over the bank holiday

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has announced that further industrial action will be taking place on Sunday 30 April until Monday 1 May 2023.

Industrial action by the RCN includes some nurses and colleagues in the nursing family e.g. healthcare support workers, at Sheffield Children’s.

Receiving and accessing care

We know this may be causing our patients and families to worry about planned appointments or care they are receiving in the hospital. Please be assured that emergency care will be available, and patient safety is our primary focus.

Claire Harness, Deputy Chief Nurse at Sheffield Children’s, said: “Our first responsibility is always to the children and families who depend on Sheffield Children’s. We’ve worked closely with nursing colleagues and other services to put plans in place over the weekend and bank holiday to support our patients and families the best we can.

“We have prioritised our emergency and critical care services, and if we need to alter any scheduled appointments we will contact families directly. Otherwise families should attend appointments as usual,  and can be confident we will continue to provide urgent care for any child who needs us.”

Choose well – where to go for care

We thought it would be helpful to share advice from trusted sources to help you choose the best for you and your child.

We understand how worrying it can be if your child gets poorly, and we’re here if you need us. For non-emergency care please visit NHS 111 online or call 111, speak to your GP, pharmacist or go to a walk-in centre.

Where to go for care? Choose Well advice

Information from Healthier Together website about coughs and colds (lots of other helpful advice for babies, children and young people too)

Outside the Hospital 

We expect a number of people to be outside and there may be media in attendance. The main entrances will still be in use and your access will not be blocked.

We completely respect the right of staff to take part in lawful industrial action. While pay is a matter for Government and the trade unions, our nurses are valued and respected by the organisation, and we understand the importance of good pay and conditions for individuals and their families. We know this is not a decision that has been taken lightly but there has been a strong commitment on all sides to make sure industrial action is balanced with the delivery of safe care.

Further information

If patients or families have further questions please contact your clinical team. If you cannot get hold of your clinical team, please contact PALs.

We want to thank all patients and families for their patience and support during this period.