UNIONS are angry that they were not consulted about spending cuts announced yesterday by Health and Social Services.

Unite regional industrial organiser Ron Le Cras (pictured) represents band three nurses, porters and domestic staff.

‘I think everyone realised that cuts would have to be made but, as unions, we would normally be consulted. We are sad at the lack of consultation.’

The department aims to save £6m., half of which would be through on-island services. This includes a proposal to reduce the number of surgical beds from 50 to 44, closing the staff dining room at Castel Hospital and the night-time staff dining room at the PEH.

Castel Hospital kitchen would also operate on a reduced number of hours.

‘It’s important that people working through the night get the opportunity of a hot meal and a break, so I think that’s very sad,’ said Mr Le Cras, who is also secretary of the nursing negotiating committee.

In terms of reducing agency staff, he said the union had been mentioning the issue for a considerable time and that more effort needed to be made to recruit and retain staff.

• Read the full story in the Guernsey Press. See below for subscription details.