BMA resident doctors’ strike called off
Summary
The planned closure of Cheltenham General Hospital’s A&E department will not go ahead after a planned resident doctors’ strike was called off. Cheltenham’s A&E was due to close on Sunday at 20:00 and reopen on Monday as a minor injury and illness unit until Friday.
Details
But on Saturday, the British Medical Association (BMA) announced that the four-day resident doctor strike would be suspended following a new pay offer from the government. Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it was too late to reinstate cancelled appointments today (Monday), but health chiefs were working to reorganise those scheduled from Tuesday to Thursday.
Cheltenham’s Emergency Department will now remain open as usual. Planned operations, outpatient clinics and procedures: Any appointments and procedures cancelled for Monday, June 15, will remain cancelled. Patients should attend all appointments as planned unless they are contacted directly and advised otherwise.
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The Trust is working to reinstate previously cancelled activity between Tuesday and Thursday. Patients who were informed of cancellations will be contacted on Monday if they are now able to attend. In a statement, the Trust said: “Thank you for all our staff for the hard work to manage this situation and ensure our patients continue to receive the best possible care.”
Report source: Punchline Gloucester