The industrial action has been called by the British Medical Association (BMA) and is the 16th period of industrial action in the ongoing national dispute over pay.
The hospital’s highest priority is to continue providing safe, high-quality care for patients while minimising disruption to services wherever possible.
Plans are in place across the Trust to manage the impact of industrial action, particularly in urgent and emergency care services. While every effort will be made to maintain planned care, some appointments and procedures may need to be postponed to ensure patient safety.
Patients whose appointments or procedures are affected will be contacted directly. Anyone who does not hear from the hospital should attend their appointment as planned.
During the strike period there may be fewer staff on duty than usual, which could result in longer waits in some areas.
Michelle Arrowsmith, Executive Managing Director at The QEH, said: “Our priority throughout this period of industrial action is to continue providing safe care for our patients while minimising disruption wherever possible. We have robust plans in place and are working closely with clinical teams across the hospital to maintain essential services, particularly urgent and emergency care.
“We understand that industrial action can cause uncertainty for patients and their families. If your appointment needs to be rearranged, we will contact you directly. If you do not hear from us, please attend as planned.”
The hospital is urging people to continue seeking NHS care when they need it, particularly in emergencies.
Patients and members of the public can help by:
- Only calling 999 or attending the Emergency Department for genuine emergencies and life-threatening conditions
- Using NHS 111 online or by phone, including the mental health option, for urgent advice
- Contacting their GP practice or local community pharmacy for non-emergency medical advice
- Cancelling appointments they can no longer attend so they can be offered to another patient
The QEH remains committed to maintaining emergency services and minimising disruption to patient care throughout the strike period.
Ends. Notes to editors; For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216. For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.
QEH Media Hub 