Hospitals trust warns some operations will be cancelled due to strike

United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust (ULHT) has warned that some non-urgent operations and appointments are likely to be cancelled during upcoming staff industrial action.

The strike, involving junior doctors, is scheduled to take place between June 14-17, which could significantly impact the trust’s services and workforce including at Boston’s Pilgrim Hospital.

The hospital spokesperson said, “While we will not know the full extent of the impact until the strike takes place, unfortunately it is likely that some non-urgent appointments and operations will be affected.

“Cancelling any patient appointments is not a decision we take lightly and we are sorry to those who may be affected, but we must maintain safety for our patients and our colleagues.

“We will do everything that we can to avoid having to cancel any appointments.”

Maternity and antenatal services will be open as usual, as will emergency departments.

The trust is actively putting contingency plans into motion, drawing from experiences and strategies implemented during previous strikes earlier this year, which also led to numerous non-urgent procedures being postponed.

Patients affected by these potential cancellations will be contacted directly to reschedule their appointments.

Those who have not been notified of any changes are advised to attend their appointments as scheduled.

Throughout the duration of the strike, the trust confirms that essential services, including emergency departments and maternity and antenatal services, will remain operational.

For non-emergency medical needs, patients are encouraged to use the NHS 111 service, available online and over the phone 24/7.

Despite the impending strikes, there has been progress regarding the pay dispute that has partially sparked the industrial action.

Chief executive Andrew Morgan told ULHT’s board meeting on Tuesday that a revised pay offer for 22/23 and 23/24 had been approved by the national staff council.

The updated salary package will come into effect by the end of June. However, some unions remain unsatisfied, suggesting that the possibility of continued industrial action still looms.