Hospitals in Suffolk have provided assurances that they are prepared for potential strike action amid an ongoing pay dispute between the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and the Government. 

Although nurses in the county are not set to participate in the first round of industrial action that is set to take place on Thursday (December 15), local hospitals are braced for the possibility they will be affected by future strike action.

East Anglian Daily Times: Nick Hulme, chief executive of ESNEFT, said hospitals in the trust were prepared for 'all eventualities'Nick Hulme, chief executive of ESNEFT, said hospitals in the trust were prepared for 'all eventualities' (Image: Sarah Lucy Brown)Nick Hulme, chief executive of East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), which runs Ipswich and Colchester hospitals and community services, said planning had taken place "for all eventualities", aiming to keep all patients safe. 

He said: “We will be planning for all eventualities to keep our patients safe – that is our top priority. 

“We value all our staff and understand the importance of good pay and conditions for individuals and their families, as well as for wider NHS staff retention and recruitment. 

“While pay is a matter for Government and the trade unions, we want to see a resolution as soon as possible to make sure we can continue to focus on delivering high-quality and compassionate patient care to anyone in our communities who needs it.” 

Further strike action is planned for December 20, although Suffolk nurses are not expected to participate in this walkout either. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Pat Cullen, head of the Royal College of NursingPat Cullen, head of the Royal College of Nursing (Image: Aaron Chown/PA)

On Monday, RCN general secretary and chief executive Pat Cullen met health secretary Steve Barclay and asked to begin pay negotiations that could have prevented strike action, but she said Mr Barclay refused to discuss pay. 

She said she had wanted to come out of the meeting with ‘something serious’ to show nursing staff that they should not be striking. 

However, she said: “I expressed my deep disappointment at the belligerence that was shown – they closed their books and walked away.” 

A spokesperson for West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, which runs West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds, said they were waiting for clarification on when the strikes would be taking place.