Almost 2,000 appointments and operations cancelled at NCIC trust

NHS England figures reveal that due to the strikes, the NCIC cancelled 477 initial appointments or operations scheduled between September 19 and 23.

This marked the total cancellations over the last year at 1,984.

NHS staff across the board, including consultants, junior doctors, nurses and ambulance workers have been involved in the strike action since December 2022. 

An NCIC representative thanked the community for their patience but acknowledged that while crucial emergency services remained operational, certain non-urgent services had to be halted, further lengthening waiting lists.

The number of inpatient and outpatient appointments cancelled in England since the current spell of industrial action began now stands at 1.01 million.

"We would like to thank the community for their understanding and patience during the periods of industrial action taking place.

"It cannot be underestimated how much effort goes into preparing and implementing plans to maintain services during both junior doctor and consultant strike action.

"Careful planning has meant that we have been able to maintain safe emergency and urgent services, but we have had to stand down some non-urgent services to accommodate this and this does unfortunately have an impact on our waiting lists.

"If anyone feels as though their condition is worsening, please make contact with the service.

"There is further industrial action planned for next week (October 2 - 5) and we are advising patients that they should attend their appointments as normal unless they are contacted by us," a spokesperson said. 

Joint strikes by consultants and junior doctors are planned for October 2, 3 and 4.

Junior doctors, who want a 35 per cent pay rise, have suggested they will continue striking until the Government makes a “credible offer” that the British Medical Association (BMA) can present to its members.

Consultants want an above-inflation pay award of 11 per cent.