Junior Doctors Industrial Action: 26 and 27 April

Like all NHS Trusts we have been working hard to ensure that we can continue to provide safe services during the industrial action.

We have been working with the doctors’ representatives and our clinical teams to build a picture of the likely impact of the strike to ensure that, wherever possible, essential services can continue without compromising patient safety.

This strike is different to the previous action as emergencies will not be covered. Whilst we have planned to maintain as many services as possible, we have needed to postpone some appointments and procedures and those patients have been contacted. Those who have not heard from us should assume their appointment or procedure is going ahead as planned.

Given the potential impact of the strike action on our hospital services we would encourage people to think about whether they need to visit the Emergency Department, which is there for people in serious or life threatening situations. Patients can really help us by taking the appropriate action to treat their condition, which might mean contacting NHS 111 or attending a pharmacy. Better use of all the available services will help to ensure that only patients with a real emergency come to hospital, giving us more time to dedicate to those patients who really need us. Patients should visit www.nhs.uk/strike for more information and local updates on additional services.

A leaflet has been produced which explains how you can access NHS services over this period. To download a copy of the leaflet click here.

22 April 2016