Ms Ashley Connolly:

We commenced the ballot on 14 October. It will conclude the week of 25 November. We are aware that our sister union, the INMO, is also balloting.

Not only have I represented members for a long time, I worked in the health service for 20 years. I can tell you from protests and from local engagement with our members that the anger among our members is palpable. It is alarming. They have been asking us for a long time to be their voice because they believe they are not being listened to by their employer. They are concerned that they are being shut out of any process and just being ignored. They are extremely concerned for their ability to deliver services safely but also the fact the waiting lists are now extending by weeks, months and years.