Upcoming Doctors' Strike in Hull and East Yorkshire
Patients in Hull and East Yorkshire are being advised of potential appointment cancellations as hospital doctors prepare to strike for six days over a pay dispute.
The industrial action, organized by the British Medical Association (BMA), is scheduled to begin at 07:00 BST on 7 April and continue until 07:00 BST on 13 April.
Contingency Plans and Expected Disruptions
Hospital trusts have implemented contingency measures; however, some level of disruption is expected to be unavoidable.
Sam Peate, representing the NHS Humber Health Partnership—which includes hospitals in Goole and Hull 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 and Context of the Strike
This strike marks the 15th walkout by hospital doctors since March 2023.
The BMA has indicated that the strike action is a response to what it views as insufficient government action regarding pay claims and concerns over staffing shortages.
The association argues that the real-term pay for resident doctors has decreased by 20% since 2008.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has previously commented on the dispute, stating that the BMA's demands are "beyond reasonable and realistic."
Additional Information and Resources
For further updates, listeners can access highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on , watch the latest episode of Look North, or submit story suggestions.
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