Cancellations 'unavoidable' during hospital strike

Hospital patients are being warned some appointments and procedures will be cancelled as resident doctors prepare to start a 16th round of strike action.

Members of the British Medical Association (BMA) will stage a walkout from 07:00 BST on Monday 15 June until 06:59 on Friday 19 June in a long-running dispute over pay.

The NHS Humber Health Partnership (HHP), which runs hospitals in Hull, East Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, said it had "well rehearsed plans" to cope with the strikes.

Sam Peate, group chief delivery officer, said: "Patient safety is our top priority and we are putting plans in place to ensure disruption to patients is as minimal as possible."

"Whilst we are doing everything we can to maintain as much activity as possible, some cancellations are unavoidable to 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."

Patients due to attend Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham, Hull Royal Infirmary, Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital in Grimsby and the hospitals in Scunthorpe and Goole, are being told to attend their scheduled appointments unless contacted.

They are also being advised to order repeat prescriptions, and use pharmacies, GP surgeries, walk-in and urgent treatment centres if needed.

Peter Sedman, the HHP deputy chief medical officer, added: "We fully appreciate that for some patients, this will not be the first time they'll be having their appointment postponed and we appreciate how frustrating this is.

"I'd like to apologise to anyone affected, please be assured we are working to get you rebooked as soon as possible."