Resident doctors are set to walk out for the 16th time
Members of the British Medical Association (BMA) are set to walk out for the 16th time(Image: PA)
Patients across the Humber region are being warned they could see appointments and procedures postponed as hospitals brace for further strikes. Resident doctors are set to begin their 16th round of industrial action as part of their long-running pay dispute with the Government.
Members of the BMA (British Medical Association) will stage a walkout between Monday, June 15 at 7am and Friday, June 19 at 7am. The NHS Humber Health Partnership says their hospitals have well-rehearsed plans which are being put in place to prepare for the strike.
The Partnership includes both the Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (HUTH) and Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust (NLAG). It oversees five hospital sites across the Humber region:
- Hull Royal Infirmary
- Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham
- Goole and District Hospital
- Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby
- Scunthorpe General Hospital
Despite the Partnership’s preparations, they say it is “unavoidable” that some patients will face disruption. Affected patients will be contacted in advance. Anyone with an appointment or procedure scheduled to take place during the strike period should attend the hospital as planned if you don’t hear otherwise.
The BMA claims that the 16th round of strike action is taking place as, they say: “The Government has failed to deliver an improved offer on pay and jobs for resident doctors after weeks of talks. With progress stalled, we have no other option but to announce strike action.” Further action will be taken in July if no progress is made, the union has said.
Sam Peate, Group Chief Delivery Officer for NHS Humber Health Partnership, said: “As ever patient safety is our top priority during strike action and we are putting contingency plans in place to ensure disruption to patients is as minimal as possible.
“Whilst we are doing everything we can to maintain as much activity as possible, some cancellations are unavoidable to allow us to prioritise urgent and emergency care and cancer patients. This is regrettable, but necessary to allow us to focus on the most seriously ill/injured of our patients.
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Mr Peter Sedman, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, added: “We fully appreciate that for some patients, this will not be the first time they’ll be having their appointment postponed and we appreciate how frustrating this is. I’d like to apologise to anyone affected, please be assured we are working to get you rebooked as soon as possible.
“Industrial action does place considerable pressure on services which are already stretched. As with previous strikes we’d really appreciate the support of our local communities.
“GP surgeries and pharmacies will remain open during the strike and NHS 111 staff are on hand to offer advice if you’re unwell and unsure where to turn. If you do need to come into one of our emergency departments please be mindful that we have fewer doctors on shift so you may experience a longer than usual wait. Please also respect those staff members who are in work who are doing their best to see and treat people as quickly as possible.”
The Partnership has also provided the following advice on how patients can also help themselves and others:
- Ordering repeat prescriptions in plenty of time so they don’t run out of medication or other essential items
- Avoiding hospital if suffering Norovirus-type symptoms such as diarrhoea and vomiting, or with cold or flu-like symptoms
- Keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home including painkillers, indigestion remedies and diarrhoea tablets
- Using the NHS Emergency Prescription Service if a regular medication runs out completely; and
- Familiarising themselves with nearby NHS services which can offer help both in and out-of-hours; these include all Walk-In and Urgent Treatment Centres and a number of local pharmacies. NHS 111 remains available 24hrs/day, 365 days a year for medical advice and signposting, online or over the phone.
Full details of alternative local healthcare services can be found at www.letsgetbetter.co.uk
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