Hospital porters to strike over toilet breaks row

Hospital porters who accused managers of imposing "diabolical" toilet break rules and removing chairs to discourage short rests have voted to strike.

Staff at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) were told to ask for permission to go to the toilet, with women having to request extra time if they had their period, porters previously told the BBC.

The first 24-hour walk-out by Unite members will take place on Thursday 28 November, followed by strikes every Monday and Friday throughout December and January.

University Hospital Southampton has been contacted for a comment.

Unite said "the 60 plus porters" who are members of the union had voted "overwhelmingly" in support of the walk-out.

“The strike action will inevitably cause serious disruption across the hospital but this is entirely the fault of management, they are well aware of the problems but have failed to take action to prioritise staff and patient safety and dignity," Unite regional officer Kate Attwooll said.

Picket lines will take place on each day of strike action, adjacent to the main entrance of Southampton General Hospital.

Steve Harris, chief people officer at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, previously said in October that he first became aware of the allegations in August.

He said he had "immediately commissioned an external review to look at the culture within the department".

"No-one in the organisation is required to essentially inform their supervisor or their manager when they're menstruating," he added.

"Our porters are entitled to three official breaks during every shift and are actively encouraged to stay hydrated using any of the water cooler facilities throughout our hospitals."

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