Operations could be cancelled at Medway Maritime Hospital in the new year as theatre staff are set to vote on strike action.

Conflict has been caused by the new rosters introduced on November 13 which in some cases meant members were working 12 hours without being relieved for a 30-minute break.

They were only allowed a 10-minute break between each patient for a glass of water.

The union supporting the staff, Unite, has been told some staff are rostered for up to 60 hours a week and several people have left over the last 12 months.

The Union has been in consultation with management for almost 18 months to try and come to a resolution.

Unite regional officer, Kathy Walters, claimed: “The new rosters are a definite threat to patient safety as theatre staff will be exhausted if they have to work well over their contracted hours in a week. Staff are working the new rotas under protest.

“The employer has implemented the new shift pattern without agreement which means that members can be rostered to work well in excess of their contracted hours in any one week.

“Other areas within the hospital where this has already been implemented have told us of staff being rostered for up to 60 hours a week.

“Our members do not feel this is safe for patients, nor is it fair for them as employees. They are committed to providing high quality care to patients and are worried that the imposition of these new rosters will lead to risks to patient safety, as well as to staff well-being and morale.

“Numerous staff in the theatres’ department have left Medway over the last 12 months with more handing in their notice in the last few weeks. The management is plastering over the cracks with ‘bank’ (agency) staff, which is a very expensive and short-term option.

“Our members want the restoration of the 37.5 hour week and assurances that they will be relieved when they take their 30 minute break during their shifts. They are open to talking with the employer to resolve this dispute.

“The management needs to come up with a coherent action plan to tackle the massive recruitment and retention crisis, and put patient safety first.

“The goodwill of hardworking NHS staff is wearing very thin and our members are at breaking point.”

The 74 staff members have been asked by Unite to vote on strike or industrial action between December 4 and 21.

Medway NHS Foundation Trust has been contacted for comment.