01344 771251
Message Board
01344 771251
Message Board
Message Board
Message Board Notice
| Tuesday, 4 April, 2023 |
| Junior doctors’ strike: Local NHS Services during Mon 3 - Sat 15 April |
| Many of you will be aware that the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Hospital Specialists & Consultants Association (HSCA) have announced a four-day strike by junior doctors from 6.59am Tues 11 April to 6.59am Saturday 15 April. The days leading into and immediately after bank holiday weekends are already challenging for the NHS. With the proposed strikes coming immediately after the long bank holiday our services will face increased pressure and some routine appointments will be rescheduled. As always, the safety and care of our patients is our first priority. Since the strike action was announced, our emergency planning and operational teams have been working tirelessly to develop plans across our Trust in preparation for the nationwide industrial action. How will this impact our services? During the period of strike action, 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 will only cancel appointments and procedures where it is necessary and will reschedule immediately, where possible. You will be contacted if your appointment needs to be changed, otherwise please attend your appointment as planned. If you need medical help throughout this period, please continue to use 111 online, and in emergencies, call 999. GP services and pharmacies are not affected by the industrial action so please continue to use these as normal unless told otherwise. As ever, our staff are working extremely hard doing during these challenging times and as a Trust we are doing everything possible to keep our patients safe and cared for. Dr John Seymour, Deputy Medical Director Remember - please use NHS services wisely. Here are some simple steps you can take to help ease pressure on hospital services: Emergency - Continue to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency Local Services - GPs, community pharmacies and dentists are not impacted by strike action. Some GP practices are also offering extended opening hours during the evenings and at the weekend. If you think you need to see your GP team, contact them as you usually would. Minor Injuries - For minor injuries search for your nearest minor injury or urgent care centre Find Urgent Care services - NHS (www.nhs.uk) Health Advice - 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. Hospital Appointments - Many routine appointments will be cancelled during strike days. If the NHS has not contacted you, it is important to attend appointments as planned. Mental Health - 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. Medication - Ensure medication and repeat prescriptions are ordered before the Bank holiday weekend . Children - 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. Vulnerable People- Please look out for your neighbours who may live alone or be lonely. |