Births being delayed by strikes, says CEO

Women have faced delays in giving birth due to the ongoing strikes, a major trust’s chief executive has said.

Matthew Hopkins, who joined Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust last month, told a board meeting on Thursday that industrial action was having a “significant and growing” impact on patients.

He added that this extended beyond delays to outpatient appointments and elective operations, saying: “It is also delaying mums giving birth, because we are seeing delays now in being able to conduct our elective Caesarian sections.”

Mr Hopkins said the impact was also “really significant” on staff, with those covering for colleagues “very, very tired”.

“It is important we give a very clear message to the two sides of the argument – government and the [British Medical Association] – that we need a light at the end of the tunnel, and staff need a light at the end of the tunnel.

“Going into winter, with this continuing disruption for our patients and our staff, is in my view unacceptable.”

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Source: HSJ, 28 September 2023