Manx patients warned of impact on England doctors' strike

Five days of industrial action starts today

Manx patients travelling across to England for treatment are being told to expect disruption as five days of strike action gets underway today. (24 July)

Earlier this week, the British Medical Association confirmed that resident doctors will walk out as part of an ongoing row over pay and conditions.

Consultant doctors have been asked to cover duties over the strike period.

Manx Care has told Manx Radio that 151 Isle of Man patients are booked to travel across on strike days and some urgent appointments will go ahead, such as those for cancer treatment. 

However, it estimates around 75 percent of patients will have their appointments cancelled.

NHS England has ordered hospitals only to cancel non-urgent care, such as hip and knee operations, in exceptional circumstances.

Manx Care meanwhile is asking that any patients who do have their appointments cancelled, to let Patient Transfer know, so they can rebook the ticket and it's not lost.

According to the health body, those with affected appointments starting being informed on Wednesday - the BMA reaffirmed their decision to strike on Tuesday afternoon (22 July) following the completion of talks between the BMA and the UK government without an agreement being reached.