THE NHS has warned that some services at Leighton Hospital in Crewe and the Victoria Infirmary in Northwich could be affected by forthcoming industrial action.

Union staff will stage a four-hour walk out between 7am-11am on Monday, October 13.

Further action including not working un-paid overtime and insisting on taking scheduled breaks will follow during the subsequent four days.

Action is in response to nationally-determined pay awards.

A spokesman for Mid Cheshire Hospitals Trust said: “The Trust has well established contingency plans to ensure continued safe service provision however there may be an impact on some elective services in the morning.

“Any patients affected by this action will be contacted by the trust. Patients who do not receive contact from the Trust should attend for their appointment at their scheduled time.”

Leighton and Victoria Infirmary Northwich emergency and urgent services will continue to operate as normal during the period of action.

Paul Foley, Unison North West’s head of health said: “NHS workers cannot keep taking year after year of cuts to their living standards.

“It is over 30 years since the last strike over pay in the health service and our members feel there is no option but to take action now.

“Health staff have lost thousands of pounds over the past five years and many are struggling to pay household bills.

"Low pay in the NHS is creating problems of staff recruitment and retention that will inevitably impact on patient care.”