Nearly 450 outpatients see surgery cancelled at George Eliot hospital

Almost 450 outpatients saw their surgery cancelled at Nuneaton’s George Eliot Hospital during the junior doctor’s strike.

Data revealed in the NHS Industrial Action workforce situation report shows that, during the three day walk-out last week, there were 444 outpatients procedures cancelled at the ‘Eliot.

There were 45 inpatient procedures put on hold as a result of British Medical Association members staging industrial action.

The data reveals that the number outpatient surgeries cancelled at the ‘Eliot was higher than at the neighbouring University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, which was forced to postpone procedures for 381 outpatients.

The cancellation of the surgeries has put further pressure on the Eliot’s waiting list and, in a statement, Robin Snead, chief operating officer, said that they hope to get them rescheduled ‘as soon as possible’

“We understand patients will be disappointed to have had their treatment delayed despite the significant planning that took place with the aim of minimising the impact to our patients,” the chief operating officer said.

“We will continue to do everything we can to ensure that all appointments are rescheduled as soon as possible. We thank everyone for their support and patience during this time.”

The number of elective procedures that were scheduled to take place but had to be postponed as a result of industrial action were as follows:

■ March 13

■ Inpatient - 21

■ Outpatient 164

■ March 14

■ Inpatient - 10

■ Outpatient - 149

■ March 15

■ Inpatient - 14

■ Outpatient - 131

The data shows that on March 13, 64 junior doctors went on strike with 73 on March 14 and 70 on March 15.

More than 175,000 appointments and procedures had to be postponed nationally as a result of the industrial action, which BMA members said they were forced to take as part of an ongoing pay row.

It is understood that the BMA has agreed enter negotiations with the department for health.