Not everyone is happy about this
A number of hospitals in the UK have decided to rearrange appointments because of the Queen’s funeral on Monday 19th September.
The funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, who died on 8 September aged 96, is set to be a bank holiday, although this does not guarantee you a day off because workplace are being left to make the choice for their workers
In the same vein a letter signed by Dr Ursula Montgomery, NHS England’s director of primary care, GP practices were told they could close if they wanted to.
The letter also told GPs intending to close up on 19 September that they would need to make it clear to patients with appointment where else they could access primary care.
According to openDemocracy, thousands of patients have had their appointments cancelled because of the Queen’s funeral because some NHS trusts have decided to postpone all non-urgent procedures and clinic appointments.
This is not good because it has possibly left some patients who had been waiting months for treatment back at square one.
The British Medical Association (BMA) says that more patients than ever are waiting for treatment, with figures up to July 2022 saying that 6.84 million people are stuck on a waiting list, up significantly from 4.05 million two years ago.
Of those waiting for treatment, 2.67 million have been waiting more than 18 weeks to receive treatment, while 377,689 have been waiting over a year for treatment, before the pandemic hit that figure was just 1,032.
Sounds like the backlogs of all backlogs.
The news of the extra day off was confirmed by Penny Mordant, the Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons, as Charles was officially appointed King on Saturday morning.
Mordant said a proclamation will appoint the day of the Queen’s funeral as a bank holiday across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
King Charles III then later approved the order.
New national guidance from the powers that be states: “This is a matter for discussion between individuals and their employer.
“There is no statutory entitlement to time off for bank holidays, but employers may include bank holidays as part of a worker’s leave entitlement.
“The government cannot interfere in existing contractual arrangements between employers and workers.
“However, we would expect that many workers will be able to take the day off on the bank holiday.
“We also expect employers to respond sensitively to requests from workers who wish to take the day of the funeral off work.”
People with children will however hope that they can get a day off because it has been confirmed that all schools will be closed next Monday.
On Saturday, the King told the Privy Council that the “whole world sympathises with me in the irreparable loss we’ve all suffered” then went on to pay tribute to the Queen’s diligent service and recognised the “duties” he must now carry out.
“To all of us as a family, as to this kingdom and the wider family of nations of which it is a part, my mother gave an example of lifelong love and of selfless service.
“My mother’s reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life. My mother’s reign was unequalled in its duration, its dedication and its devotion. Even as we grieve, we give thanks for this most faithful life.”
Related links:
- King Charles III addresses the nation for the first time as monarch
- What will happen to the UK currency now the Queen is dead?
- British national anthem set to change after Queen’s death
