A hospital has refused to process blood tests from local GPs because of ongoing disputes with their management.
From Friday 25 April, pathology staff will stop processing specimens in a bid to get managers of Royal Berkshire Hospital to address concerns over reduced staffing levels and patient safety.
The dispute started on 1 March when the management moved staff in haematology and transfusion, microbiology, bio chemistry and specimen reception onto a 24/7 shift pattern.
Unite regional officer Debbie Watson said: “Our members want to make their strong feelings known, but, at the same time, they want critically ill patients to receive treatment.
“They believe that by restricting the amount of tests that they perform to those patients within the hospital, this will still ensure that patients in the hospital will get the appropriate care.
“This is a very much a shot across the trust management’s bows and we would urge them to negotiate a constructive agreement that addresses members concerns before 25 April.”
