People urged to support the NHS ahead of junior doctor strike

Junior doctors in England will be taking industrial  action from 7am, 20 December – 7am, 23 December, with more action planned from 7am, 3 January – 7am, 9 January. 

NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board (ICB) is calling on the public to give support again to ensure local communities, patients, families, and carers are provided with provide high quality NHS care. 

During the industrial action, emergency departments will still be open, but disruption and longer waits should be expected. That’s why, people are being urged to continue to support the NHS during the strike by using the right health service to meet their needs and help to ensure emergency care is available for those in most need.  

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

Local people are being asked to take the following actions: 

• Choose the most appropriate NHS service for needs and only use 999 and A&E or Emergency Departments for serious or life-threatening emergencies. 

• For anything that isn’t a life-saving emergency, use an alternative NHS service and to use NHS 111 first either online or by phone. 
• 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  
• 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 Health Support | 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. 

• Know it may take longer than expected to be seen and treated. 
• Collect family and friends from hospital as soon as they are ready to be discharged. 
• To stay away from hospitals if showing the symptoms of flu or COVID-19 (or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19), unless it is an emergency. 

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. Visit our Choose the Right Service page for details of local services.