Hundreds face cancellations in day of action
UP to 300 patients could have appointments at Raigmore Hospital postponed on Thursday when doctors stage industrial action for the first time in nearly 40 years.
Outpatient clinics, day surgery and elective surgery will be cancelled due to industrial action by British Medical Association (BMA) members opposing alterations to the NHS pension scheme.
The Highlands’ largest hospital has 20 outpatient clinics a day on average, treating between 200 and 300 patients.
NHS Highland stressed it was still in negotiations about keeping the clinics open but will contact patients directly if their appointments are to change.
Non-urgent surgery such as cataract removal or hernia repair may be postponed.
Planning has also begun to ensure that any patient who has had an appointment cancelled will be re-booked as a matter of priority.
Doctors will still ensure any emergency treatment is given.
“We are close to confirming the exact level of non-urgent and elective services that we will be able to safely provide,” said NHS Highland’s chief executive Elaine Mead yesterday.
Clinical directors and managers are speaking to doctors individually to see what action they plan to take.
It is not known how many doctors will take action at Raigmore Hospital, but core services will continue as normal, including cancer treatments, renal dialysis, emergency mental health and maternity services and anyone receiving a course of daily or weekly treatment will also receive it.
“While we respect the right of colleagues to take industrial action we would like to reassure patients and the wider public there will be no disruption to emergency services and safe care,” Ms Mead added.
GP surgeries will accept emergency appointments but routine care and appointments will vary between practices.
Dr Charles Lee, a consultant anaesthetist at Raigmore Hospital, will be one of the BMA members taking part in the industrial action.
“Anyone who needs urgent care on the day will receive that care,” he stressed.
Fellow member Dr Alistair Todd, a Raigmore consultant radiologist, insisted the dispute was not with patients or NHS Highland.
Proposed pension changes would mean a new doctor joining the NHS could expect a pension of more than £53,000 at age 65.
BMA Scotland chairman Dr Brian Keighley said: “We recognise that doctors are seen as people who have good incomes, way above people across the country.
“However, we do think that patients understand the arguments about equity and fairness and, whilst we don’t expect total public sympathy, our reception thus far has been of reluctant understanding from patients.”
Anyone with concerns can contact NHS Highland using the telephone number on their appointment letter.
