Hospital staff verbally abused by patients angry over cancelled operations due to strikes

Oxfordshire's NHS Trust says it will not tolerate its staff being verbally abused when they're ringing patients to reschedule appointments.

They say people are venting their anger and frustration when they receive a call to say their planned hospital visits are being postponed due to ongoing strike action.

Officials say they will note the abuse and will take action against those who insult their staff.

Posting on social media, they called for understanding from patients in challenging circumstances.

They said: "We fully understand and appreciate how disappointing and frustrating any delay of an appointment is, and we will only do this if we absolutely have to.

"Our staff are doing their best in challenging circumstances to make sure you are informed as soon as possible.

"We do not tolerate abuse of our staff and abuse will be noted and further action may be taken."

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has called off a 48-hour strike planned for April 30th after a High Court judge deemed it unlawful.

Chief Operating Officer at OUH Sara Randall said: "We recognise and respect the right of our staff to take part in lawful industrial action, and have been working with our staff and union partners to ensure the safety of our patients, and the wellbeing of our staff.

"As always, our priority is to continue to provide safe care for our patients, and anyone with a rescheduled appointment will be rebooked in for the soonest time possible."

They are asking patients who have not heard from them by the day of their appointment to attend as planned.

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