HOSPITAL staff are preparing to strike in a dispute over pay as workers struggle with the cost-of-living crisis amid “soul destroying” working conditions.

Members of Unison union are balloting to strike at 250 health trusts across the country, including Mid and South Essex which runs Basildon and Southend hospitals.

Porters, nurses, security guards, paramedics, cleaners, and midwives, among those being asked if they want to mount a campaign of industrial action.

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Former full time Basildon Hospital nurse Joyce Aldridge said: “There are increasing shortages of nurses, doctors and healthcare assistants which is putting increasing strain on the staff.

“Work has become soul destroying because you just can’t give the care you would like to.”

The 54-year-old worked at Basildon hospital for 20 years but is now on full time release as branch secretary for Unison at the hospital.

Ms Joyce, who still works shifts at the hospital during emergenices and periods of high demand, added: “Often nurses find they are unable to take their breaks, and many have come to the end of their tether.

“Staff all give above and beyond to make up for the stretched system, and they should be paid accordingly. Many workers see they could earn more at a supermarket and leave.”

NHS staff wages are set for and paid by the government; however, strike action is directed through the NHS trusts they work at.

Unison has urged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to increase the rise of £1,400 awarded to health workers in England earlier in the summer

Unison general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Striking is the last thing dedicated health workers want to do, but with services in such a dire state, and staff struggling to deliver for patients with fewer colleagues than ever, many feel like the end of the road has been reached.

“It feels like the NHS is in the last chance saloon, but a vote for industrial action might be the jolt that convinces ministers to make the NHS the priority they say it is.”

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We are giving over one million NHS workers a pay rise of at least £1,400 this year, as recommended by the independent NHS pay review body, on top of 3 per cent last year when pay was frozen in the wider public sector.

“Industrial action is a matter for unions, and we urge them to carefully consider the potential impacts on patients.”