Patients urged to use NHS services wisely ahead of planned doctors’ strike this week

Patients in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes have been asked to help the local NHS to preserve care for those who most need it, ahead of a national strike by resident doctors which is due to begin on Wednesday (17 December).

Resident doctors will undertake an all-out strike from 7.00am on Wednesday 17 December until the same time on Monday (22 December).

As during previous strikes by medical staff in recent years, many hospitals will prioritise their resources to provide urgent and emergency services, maternity services and ward-based care.  This means that hospitals may have to make the difficult decision to rearrange non-urgent operations and routine appointments.  If this is the case, they will contact patients directly, meaning that anyone who has an appointment should keep it unless asked otherwise.

NHS leaders are also asking local people to choose health and care services wisely and to take simple steps to ensure care is available to patients who need it most. This includes using 111 Online as the first port of call for health needs and continuing to attend emergency departments only if it is a life-threatening emergency.  Pharmacies and most general practices will be running as usual during the strike, offering further sources of advice.

Dr Fiona Head, executive clinical director at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“This strike action will present many challenges for patients, carers, our hospitals, and some of our GP practices too.  Hospitals will not be able to run as normal and services will be working under immense pressure.

“During the strike action it is really important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and serious life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.

“Our hospitals will do their best to only cancel appointments where it is necessary. But we do know from previous strikes that there will be some disruption to patient appointments.  The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action. If you have not been contacted, please attend your appointment as planned.

“NHS 111 is there, 24 hours a day, if you or a family member are unwell and need urgent medical help or advice on where to go.  We have more staff in the NHS 111 service to cover this challenging week, so please use 111 online or by phone if you cannot manage symptoms yourself at home or with support from a local pharmacy.  Don’t forget the mental health support on offer via NHS 111 – by choosing option 2 when you get through.

“Thank you for your understanding and support at this challenging time.”

This year’s flu cases are expected to peak locally over the coming days, which will add further pressure on NHS services.  If you are eligible to have a free flu vaccination, you can support the NHS by getting your jab as soon as possible.  You can find more information about eligibility and can book a vaccination on the NHS website.