Hospitals in East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire are implementing contingency plans and warning patients of disruptions as resident doctors begin strike action over pay disputes. The British Medical Association (BMA) announced the industrial action, which is expected to impact services across several NHS trusts.
Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham, Hull Royal Infirmary, Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby, and hospitals in Scunthorpe and Goole are among those anticipating cancellations. A spokesperson for Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust stated that while efforts are being made to maintain as much activity as possible, some cancellations are unavoidable to prioritize 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," the spokesperson said.
Patients scheduled to attend appointments at these facilities are advised to proceed as normal unless they are directly contacted with a change. They are also encouraged to order repeat prescriptions in advance and to utilize pharmacies, GP surgeries, and urgent treatment centers for non-emergency needs. Peter Sedman, deputy chief medical officer for Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals, acknowledged the frustration for patients who have experienced previous postponements, apologizing for the inconvenience and assuring that efforts are underway to rebook appointments as soon as possible.
In Lincolnshire, the United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust confirmed that its resident doctors will be participating in the strike. The trust, which oversees Lincoln County Hospital, Pilgrim Hospital in Skegness, Grantham and District Hospital, and County Hospital Louth, stated on social media that it would directly contact individuals if their appointments needed rescheduling. The BMA's ongoing dispute centers on pay, with the union advocating for improved remuneration for its members. The impact of this industrial action is expected to extend beyond immediate cancellations, potentially affecting waiting lists and routine care in the coming days and weeks.
