PATIENT CARE COULD BE HIT

NORTH East NHS bosses are warning that a “clash” which will see resident doctor strike action come at a time of rising winter flu cases could see patient care hit.

- By SAM VOLPE

With an “earlier than ever” flu season now in full swing and doctors set to take to the picket lines today, queues and delays could hit hard over the weekend, bosses said.

A strike by the British Medical Association is set to see resident doctors taking action for five days - from today to Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, flu cases are already causing concern in the region’s hospitals.

Ahead of the strike action, Dr Neil O’Brien - executive medical director at the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) - said: “This strike has come at a time when NHS services are seeing increased demand due to the early spread of winter viruses, such as flu, in our communities and also amongst hospital staff, meaning fewer staff to cover.