Thousands of operations likely to be cancelled during NHS strikes, trusts chiefs warn

Thousands of hospital surgeries are likely to be cancelled as NHS leaders prepare for unprecedented strike action, The Independent has been told.

Most operations apart from cancer care are likely to be called off when nurses take to the picket line, with NHS trusts planning for staffing levels to be similar to bank holidays.

Multiple sources say they are almost certain that the upcoming Royal College of Nursing ballot will result in strike action. Results are expected to be finalised on Wednesday.

“Trusts are looking at the totality of it. It’s the waiting list that is going to be hit, massive questions over waiting lists, and we’re going to lose days of activity in terms of addressing that growing pressure.

“The more we see strike action the harder it is, the risk is [that] the rate of recovery [of waiting list] slows.”

They added: “The unions normally provide bank holiday cover and maintain emergency service basically.”

Read full story

Source: The Independent, 7 November 2022