HEALTHCARE workers across the north are preparing to strike over a lack of a pay offer to help counter the cost-of-living crisis and the fact that "lives are being put at risk" over staffing levels.
The GMB Union has begun balloting members over possible strike action ahead of Christmas, warning that workers are "desperate" as a result of living costs as well as "unsafe" staffing in the health service.
The ballot is set to close on November 7, and GMB organiser Jim Donley said: "Health workers in Northern Ireland should not be worrying about how they’ll heat their homes this winter or feed their families, whilst trying to save lives.
"Meanwhile the staffing black hole has got to the point where members are unable to do their job properly. Lives are being put at risk."
Mr Donley added: "Workers are desperate; something has got to give."
A spokesperson for the Department of Health said minister Robin Swann has been unable to move forward on recommended NHS pay awards for 2022/23 "due to the ongoing lack of a NI public sector pay policy"
"The Minister has also been clear that any pay increase must be fully funded by the Executive. He remains committed to implementing the awards," they added.
Meanwhile, NIPSA has said it will work with other unions to resist cuts to healthcare provision at Enniskillen's South West Community Hospital.
The Western Health and Social Care Trust board met on Monday to discuss potential cuts to emergency general surgery services at the hospital.
The trust's director of acute services, Geraldine McKay, said the board was "increasingly concerned" at the "fragility" of emergency surgery provision, and "discussed a number of future planning options".
She said no decision has yet been made on the future of the service.
A NIPSA spokesperson said staff faced "great concern" and that any cuts would "increase pressure" on other hospitals.
"NIPSA will seek to work with our sister trade unions and the community to resist any cuts to health care provision," they said.
Health minister Robin Swann said the issue will "undoubtedly be a matter of serious concern in the local community".
He added: "I would stress that no decision has been made and no recommendation has come to me from the trust board. I have emphasised to the trust that it must leave no stone unturned in its ongoing recruitment efforts."