WA hospitals to be affected by bans

Work bans to be rolled out at Western Australia's public hospitals this week will affect patient services, a union has warned.

The industrial action was implemented after negotiations broke down between the Department of Health and hospital support workers.

Work bans would start at Royal Perth Hospital on Tuesday, affecting patient services including meal delivery and the cleaning of wards and patient beds, United Voice said.

Hospital support workers are protesting the state government's plan to remove a clause from their agreement that stops public service jobs from being privatised.

They also want better job security for casual employees and a wage increase of $50 a week.

Premier Colin Barnett said striking was not necessary and would only be disruptive to healthcare at the hospital.

Mr Barnett said negotiations over future employment conditions were still continuing and urged staff to return to work.