FURIOUS nurses in East Lancashire issued a 'be compassionate' plea to then Health Secretary, David Ennals.
Cllr Frank Gorton, Blackburn branch secretary of the Confederation of Health Service Employees, pledged to continue the battle for special treatment after breakdowns of talks on pay.
The confederation represented more than 1,000 nurses who worked in Blackburn’s district hospitals and in the community.
Cllr Gorton said: “Why can’t David Ennals be compassionate to the nurses in the same way they are compassionate to the patients.
“We recognise that nurses because of the very nature of their job, are in some difficulties.
“In no way would the nurses want to take action, but at the same time, our members are deeply concerned in Blackburn that they should be held to ransom by David Ennals.”
Nurses were reluctant to leave patients, but also did not want to starve, and thought Mr Ennals was being unfair in the way he was handling their case.]
More discussions were due to be held on pay, with the date for a decision set for June 1. Cllr Gorton hoped Mr Ennals would comply.
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