NHS strike – more details

NHS SHETLAND clarified the impact of next Wednesday’s day of action by public sector workers on the local health service, after initial reports suggested just the X-ray department at Gilbert Bain Hospital would be affected.

Director of clinical services Simon Bokor-Ingram said that at the moment they were aware that departments for physiotherapy, occupational therapy and audiology would also be closed on the day.

Mr Bokor-Ingram said the health board had highlighted the X-ray department as it runs a drop-in service, while other departments all rely on appointments and patients will be informed if they will be affected.

“Everything else, as far as we know, will be operating as normal, or as near to normal as we can get. We will always guarantee a level of cover that can deal with emergencies,” he said.