NHS asks people to be aware and prepared for disruption to NHS services ahead of the Bank Holiday and proposed junior doctors strike

NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust are asking residents to be prepared and play their part by taking steps ahead of the Bank Holiday and into the following week, when the junior doctors strike will commence. Things people can do include know where they can seek support if unwell and recognise there is likely to be disruption and pressure on remaining services, order and collect regular medication in advance , as well as checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.

The BMA and HCSA have announced a junior doctors strike running from 06:59 on Tuesday 11 April until 06:59 on Saturday 15 April.

Dr John Seymour, Deputy Medical Director, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“The days leading into and immediately after bank holiday weekends are already challenging for the NHS, and this four-day strike is taking place straight after the Easter weekend.

“Hospital services will be particularly affected and during the strike period we will redirect resources to protect emergency treatment, intensive care, new-born care, maternity, and trauma. We will continue to prioritise cancer treatments, and those patients who have waited the longest for elective procedures.

“We are working incredibly hard to mitigate the impact of the industrial action on our services, however, due to the unprecedented scale and timing of the strikes, we will unfortunately have to reschedule some routine appointments. If you have not been contacted by the Trust, we would advise that you attend your appointment as planned, but please continue to check for updates.”

Previous industrial action by junior doctors over three days saw 175,000 hospital appointments disrupted. As these strikes are over a longer period, we would expect a greater number of appointments to be impacted.

General practice, community pharmacies, and dentistry are open, and the public should continue to access these services as needed on strike days.

Dr Lalitha Iyer, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Frimley ICB, said: “There are steps we can all take to make sure we use the most appropriate service for our needs and ensure that help can be prioritised to those who need it most.

“If you are unwell or injured, it’s important to choose the right service to make sure you get the best treatment as quickly as possible.

“Your GP practice and local pharmacies are open as usual during the period of the strike, so please continue to use these services as normal. If you are unsure of what service to choose, visit NHS 111 online https://111.nhs.uk . It includes a symptom checker and can connect you to a nurse, emergency dentist, pharmacist or book you into the local Minor Injuries Unit in Bracknell or A&E department if your condition is more serious.

“If your child is unwell, and you’re not sure where the best place to go for advice is, visit the NHS Frimley Healthier Together website or download the app. Designed by local experts, it provides support to parents and carers to help them manage a range of common childhood illnesses. https://frimley-healthiertogether.nhs.uk/”

Using 111 will help the NHS treat patients in the right setting over the Bank Holiday and the week of the industrial action.

Residents are reminded to ensure medication and repeat prescriptions are ordered and collected early as GP surgeries and most pharmacies will be closed throughout the Bank holiday weekend (7-10 April) and services are likely to be busy in the following week.

People can order prescriptions in their usual way and the NHS App also enables patients to request repeat prescriptions too.

Yousaf Ahamad, Frimley ICS Chief Pharmacist and Director of Medicines Optimisation, said: “Taking your regular prescribed medication is an important part of treatment for those with long-term health problems such as asthma and diabetes. People can be seriously ill if they run out of medicines and may need to be admitted to hospital, which can be avoided by ordering your prescription early.

“Community pharmacies are a key member of the NHS family, staffed by pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and their teams, who are qualified and regulated healthcare professionals and who can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for minor illnesses as well as provide a range of NHS services.

“Although some pharmacies may be closed on over the Bank Holiday, they can still be a great place to get clinical advice and treatment for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains. If symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they will ensure you get the help you need.”

Details of local pharmacy opening times over the Bank Holiday can be found here.

It is also worth checking your general medicine cabinet to make sure it is well-stocked with essentials such as paracetamol, cough and cold remedies, hay fever medicines, and plasters and bandages. These can all be bought cheaply from supermarkets or pharmacies.

There are steps we can all take to make sure we use the most appropriate service for our needs to support our busy health services.

Please do choose well. Together we can make a real difference so please:

• Save time by seeking medical advice and booking appointments online via the NHS App or your GP practice website or using other regular channels
• Some GP practices offer extended opening hours during evening and weekends. If you think you need to see your GP team, contact them as you usually would.
• If your child is unwell, and you’re not sure where the best place to go for advice is, visit the NHS Frimley Healthier Together website or download the app. Designed by local experts, it provides support to parents and carers to help them manage a range of common childhood illnesses. https://frimley-healthiertogether.nhs.uk/ alternatively you can get advice from NHS 111 on the phone, and online.
• Use 111.nhs.uk if it’s not an emergency and you need health advice quickly. The friendly team at NHS 111 will be able to help you get the care you need
• You should only call 999 for an ambulance in an emergency, when it is life-threatening or very serious.
• Minor Injury Unit at Brants Bridge, Bracknell, RG12 9RT is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm – no appointment needed you can walk in. You can search for your nearest minor injury unit or urgent care service here: Find Urgent Care services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• If you are feeling worried about your mental health there are number of services available, visit Mental Wellbeing | Frimley Health and Care. If you are in a mental health crisis, call 111 or text Shout to 85258. Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.

• Please look out for your neighbours who may live alone or be lonely.

It’s very important that people who need medical care come forward, especially when someone has a life-threatening illness or injury. A range of services are available to ensure Accident and Emergency Departments (A&E) are freed up to treat those with life-threatening and critical illnesses or injuries. Care for life-threatening or serious illness/injury will be prioritised.