I HAVE recently returned to work as a nurse at York Hospital after a break of three years working at a different hospital.

Before leaving I’d been there for six years and had always enjoyed my work and was proud to say I worked there. I had a good work/life balance and my shifts accommodated my childcare needs.

However, on returning it has completely changed. I have no say in my shifts, which means I have to have childcare available seven days a week, not easy when my parents are my only care and they are pensioners who not in the best of health themselves.

The stress of organising childcare is affecting my sleep, rest and work time. On discussing it with my boss for a short-term arrangement, I was told they would not help me.

The majority of the workforce are women of child-bearing age and before the new rostering system came in staffing was usually adequate; why the change? Apparently financial, but it has affected morale and staff are and will continue to leave for this reason. What a sad situation; it used to be a great place to work and could be again with more understanding management.

Name and address supplied.