Patients at Luton and Dunstable University Hospital are being warned to expect disruption for the remainder of this week as operating theatre staff prepare to take further industrial action.
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed that some operating theatre staff represented by UNISON will strike for the second time this month, from 7am on Wednesday 22 July until 1am on Saturday 25 July.
The trust said the action would affect hospital services, although emergency operations, trauma cases and urgent maternity theatres will continue to run as normal.
Hospital managers are currently finalising plans to maintain safe care during the three-day strike and say they will do everything possible to minimise disruption.
The trust said it hopes to avoid widespread cancellations, adding that any patients whose appointments or procedures have been affected have already been contacted directly.
In a statement, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “We want to be open that this action will impact our services, and we are currently working hard to finalise plans to maintain safe care.
“While we will do our best to ensure planned appointments and procedures continue, we know there will be disruption, and some delays are likely. Emergency, trauma and urgent maternity theatres will continue to run as usual.”
The trust added: “We will do our best to avoid widespread cancellations. Appointments or procedures that have needed to change, we have contacted those patients directly.
“Our priority is maintaining safe, high-quality care for patients.”
The latest walkout is part of an ongoing dispute between UNISON and the trust over changes to overtime pay for operating theatre staff.
Earlier this year, the trust introduced new arrangements for additional hours worked by theatre staff, replacing previous local overtime payments with a system it says is consistent with national NHS Agenda for Change arrangements.
UNISON argues the changes have left some experienced theatre staff significantly worse off financially and has called on the trust to restore the previous overtime rates.
The trust has previously said it values the contribution of its theatre teams and remains committed to working constructively with the union.
In its latest statement, it said: “We value the vital contribution of our theatre teams and remain committed to constructive discussions with UNISON and our staff.”
Patients due to attend Luton and Dunstable University Hospital during the strike period are being advised to attend appointments as normal unless they are contacted directly by the hospital.
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