Bank holiday sees people's operations and funerals cancelled

Thousands of people's operations, hospital appointments and funerals, that were due to take place on 19 September bank holiday, have been cancelled.

Some Bank holiday funerals have been postponed. Credit: Ground Picture/ Shutterstock

Older people’s hip and knee replacements, cataract surgery as well as some cancer treatments have been postponed, due to the bank holiday taking place on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

'I'm in hospital waiting for heart surgery'

Heart patient David has expressed shock at his own heart surgery on 19 September being cancelled.

On Twitter (@westfieldeditor), he said: ‘I'm in hospital awaiting heart surgery. Just been told my op is due next Monday, but won't go ahead if it's declared a formal bank holiday. Been waiting 10 days already. Beyond fu**ed off’.

Paul Patrick’s 90-year-old mother Ida only left hospital a few weeks ago and has had her hospital appointment on 19 September axed.

Very frail mum 'devastated' by cancellation

"They were very worried about her because she was losing weight and was dehydrated”, Mr Patrick told Birmingham Mail.

"They phoned yesterday afternoon to say it was cancelled and they don't know when it will be. Ma is devastated. She's not in good health, she's 90, she's very, very frail, and not in a good frame of mind.

“My father died two years ago so she's still mourning him too. It's been traumatic for her. I'm not a monarchist, but my mother is, and I just think it's appalling. These are vulnerable people and those appointments should be going ahead.

"I have friends who have cancer appointments cancelled for next Monday too. It's about respect for people like my mother who have paid in all their lives and like the Royal family, yet they're the victims on Monday.”

Mum's friend's funeral axed like 'no one else matters'

Some funerals scheduled for 19 September have also been cancelled and cremations have been rescheduled.

A member of the public (@Scally) posted on Twitter: ‘My mum was due to attend her friend's funeral Monday and it's been cancelled. She is 80 and is absolutely raging. I've never seen her this angry.

'My dad's hospital appointment has also been cancelled! It's like no one else matters.’

The National Association of Funeral Directors, which represents more than 4,100 UK funeral homes, stated: ‘On Monday 19 September, some funerals will go ahead as planned, others are moving to a different date, at the request of the bereaved families involved.

‘It is up to each crematorium or cemetery operator to make their own decision whether to open or close. Funeral directors are balancing the needs of all these families in covering the day of the state funeral – as well as the needs of funeral home employees who wish to observe the funeral, or who may have caring responsibilities as a result of closures elsewhere.’

Some members of the public have highlighted on social media that families should not feel pressurised by funeral directors to postpone their loved one's funerals.

Across Britain, scheduled hospital appointments have been cancelled.

Aneurin Bevan Health Board, which covers Newport, Torfaen, Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly County and Monmouthshire, stated: ‘In light of confirmation that there will be a bank holiday to mark the Queen’s state funeral, the Health Board is postponing all planned appointments and clinics on Monday 19 September.

‘However, some patients may be contacted due to the urgency of their appointment to proceed if agreed with patients and the teams. The Health Board will be in contact with all patients affected by this announcement to make alternative arrangements for their care.

‘GP surgeries and most community pharmacies will be closed on the day, and we will be encouraging residents to order repeat prescriptions this week.’

Kate Brodie (@TopshamHat) said on Twitter: ‘I’m a chemotherapy patient and had a Covid booster booked for 19th carefully timed round my treatment. Now cancelled and can’t rebook for weeks. Just hope I stay safe.’

Britain is in a period of national mourning which will continue until the end of the day of the state funeral, the government has announced.

The UK government stated: ‘There is no obligation on organisations to suspend business during the National Mourning period. Some businesses may wish to consider closing or postponing events, especially on the day of the State Funeral, however this is at the discretion of individual businesses.’