Warning Issued Ahead of Doctors' Six-Day Strike in Greater Lincolnshire
Patients in greater Lincolnshire are being advised to expect cancellations of appointments as hospital doctors prepare for a six-day strike over pay disputes.
The British Medical Association (BMA) has scheduled industrial action to commence at 07:00 BST on 7 April, continuing until 07:00 BST on 13 April.
Hospital trusts have implemented contingency plans to mitigate the impact; however, some disruption to services is anticipated.
Impact on Hospitals in Grimsby and Scunthorpe
Sam Peate, representing the NHS Humber Health Partnership, which manages hospitals in Grimsby and Scunthorpe affected by the strike, stated:
"Unfortunately, it is unavoidable that some patients will have their appointments and procedures postponed as a result of the action."
"This will 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."
"Affected patients will be contacted in advance."
Background on the Industrial Action
This strike marks the 15th walkout by hospital doctors since March 2023.
The BMA has stated that the government has not sufficiently addressed pay claims and concerns regarding staff shortages.
According to the BMA, the real-term pay of resident doctors has decreased by 20% since 2008.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has previously criticized the BMA's demands as:
"beyond reasonable and realistic"
Additional Resources
Listeners can access highlights from Lincolnshire on and watch the latest episode of Look North.
The app is available for download on the App Store for iPhone and iPad, as well as Google Play for Android devices.
