Hospital Strike Forces Unavoidable Appointment Cancellations

Resident doctors' strike from 15-19 June will cause unavoidable cancellations at hospitals in Hull, East Yorkshire, and northern Lincolnshire. NHS Humber Health Partnership has plans to minimise disruption and prioritise urgent care.

Hospital Strike Prompts Appointment Cancellations

Hospital patients are being advised that some appointments and procedures will be cancelled as resident doctors prepare to commence the 16th round of strike action.

Members of the British Medical Association (BMA) will initiate a walkout starting at 07:00 BST on Monday 15 June, continuing until 06:59 on Friday 19 June. This strike is part of an ongoing dispute concerning pay.

Plans to Manage Strike Impact

The NHS Humber Health Partnership (HHP), which manages hospitals in Hull, East Yorkshire, and northern Lincolnshire, has indicated it has "well rehearsed plans" to manage the effects of the strikes.

Sam Peate, group chief delivery officer, stated: "Patient safety is our top priority and we are putting 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."

An aerial view of a large hospital tower block featuring blue panels, grey cladding and windows. The building is surrounded by car parks, vehicles and nearby roads. A football stadium is visible in the distance. — Hospitals such as Hull Royal Infirmary have "well-rehearsed plans" to cope with the walkout

Patient Guidance During Strike

Patients scheduled to attend Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham, Hull Royal Infirmary, Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby, as well as hospitals in Scunthorpe and Goole, are being instructed to attend their appointments unless they receive direct contact advising otherwise.

They are also encouraged to order repeat prescriptions in advance and to utilize pharmacies, GP surgeries, walk-in centres, and urgent treatment centres as needed during the strike period.

Apology and Rebooking Efforts

Peter Sedman, the HHP deputy chief medical officer, acknowledged the inconvenience caused by repeated postponements.

"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.