NHS asks people to be aware and prepared for disruption to NHS services ahead of the proposed junior doctor and consultant strikes
NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust are asking residents to be prepared and think ahead to ensure critical NHS services are available for those most in need, ahead of the junior doctor and consultant strikes.
The British Medical Association (BMA), British Dental Association (BDA) and Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association (HCSA) have announced 120 hours of continuous junior doctors’ strike action from 07:00 on Thursday 13 July until 07:00 on Tuesday 18 July.
Following this, the BMA and BDA has announced that consultant doctors and dentists will be taking strike action for 48 hours from 07:00 on Thursday 20 July until 07:00 on Saturday 22 July. During the two days of action, both BMA and BDA have advised that consultants will provide Christmas Day cover, meaning they will continue to provide all emergency services but routine services will need to be impacted.
Dr John Seymour, Deputy Medical Director, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“We are now entering the eighth month of industrial action across the NHS and whilst staff continue to work hard to provide patients with the best possible care, there is likely to be significant impact upon local services.
“First and foremost, we aim to keep people safe during the planned strikes. Hospital services will be particularly affected, and we will redirect available resources to protect emergency treatment, intensive care, new-born care, maternity, and trauma. In outpatients and theatres, we will continue to prioritise cancer treatments, and those patients who have waited the longest for elective procedures.
“Routine appointments may be rescheduled. 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.”
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.
“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.
“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 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 during the week of the industrial action.
Yousaf Ahmad, Frimley ICS Chief Pharmacist and Director of Medicines Optimisation, said: “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 and ailments such as sunburn, 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.”
To find your nearest pharmacy use the NHS pharmacy finder.
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.