Funerals for many families will be cancelled on Monday as the Queen is laid to rest. The National Association of Funeral Directors said although some will still go ahead on September 19 others are being rescheduled.
In a statement on social media, The National Association of Funeral Directors said decisions are led by grieving families. In response, one person slammed the cancellations as "ridiculous" while another said families should not feel pressured to reschedule, Birmingham Live reports.
The statement said: "We've been asked if any other funerals will go ahead on Monday 19th September. Although work is still ongoing, some funerals will go ahead, others are moving to a different date - led by the needs and wishes of the bereaved families involved.
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"Most funeral services booked for 19 September will have been arranged many weeks ago, so funeral directors and cemeteries/crematoria are working with families to find the best approach for each one."
James replied: "Families should not be pressured in any way to reschedule, only if they choose to should they be." "Are you actively encouraging /suggesting people move an already booked funeral? If so at whose suggestion?" asked Alan. Noel wrote: "This is ridiculous."
A number of hospital appointments have been called off due to the bank holiday on Monday to mark the Queen's funeral, too. NHS hospitals in England have been urged to contact all patients with appointments on Monday, whether or not their appointment has been postponed.
A letter to all NHS organisations, sent from NHS England on Saturday, states: "For patients with planned appointments that may be affected by the day of the funeral, please ensure they are informed in advance of any changes by utilising direct patient communications. Where planned appointments are going ahead it will also be important to confirm this is the case."
A spokesperson for the NHS in England said: "As with any bank holiday, NHS staff will work to ensure that urgent and emergency services, including urgent dental and GP appointments, are available - and patients will be contacted by their local trusts, if necessary, regarding their existing appointments.
"Covid vaccination services, particularly in care homes, are being asked to continue their work given the importance of protecting people ahead of winter and the public should access NHS services in the usual way, including through 111 online or 999 in an emergency."
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