HOSPITAL operations and outpatient appointments have been cancelled due to today’s (Thursday) industrial action by doctors, but no Isle of Wight GP practices have been affected.
Isle of Wight NHS Trust said ten operations and 30 outpatient appointments had been cancelled and six out of St Mary’s Hospital’s 68 consultants were taking part in the national dispute over pensions.
Of the operations cancelled, five related to gynaecology, two related to ear, nose and throat and three were in eye surgery.
The trust confirmed no orthopaedic operations were cancelled and all GP practices across the Isle of Wight remained unaffected.
The British Medical Association, which has more than 100,000 members — about two-thirds of the profession — has argued against government plans to change doctors’ pensions.
Under the plans, doctors would be asked to work for longer — until 68 — and contribute more of their pay.
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk