NHS leaders in Oxfordshire warn of disruptions amid Junior Doctors' strike
Oxfordshire residents urged to prepare for NHS service disruptions during junior doctors' strike
With junior doctors on picket lines, NHS leaders in Oxfordshire have issued warnings to residents to brace for potential service disruptions.
Delays in both routine and emergency care are anticipated as hospitals prioritize critical treatments.
Patients are advised to seek alternative services such as NHS 111 and pharmacies for minor ailments and prescriptions during this period.
Dr. Abid Ifran, doctor of primary care for the BOB ICB (Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire Integrated Care Board), stated, "We've been working with our trusts quite closely to ensure that staff continue to provide safe care for all our patients. That's our priority."
He continued, "With reduced staff, patients may have already received reschedule notifications leading up to the strikes, and there may be disruptions during and after the strike period. However, if you haven't heard anything, trusts are able to continue providing services. Turn up for appointments as expected."
Dr. Ifran emphasized, "For urgent and emergency conditions, access care as you would normally do. Patients can ring NHS 111 for advice or, in case of serious symptoms like chest pain or features of a stroke, call 999."
He reassured the public, stating, "All normal services like GPs, pharmacies, dentists, and optometrists will be functioning as usual. It's essential to ensure prescriptions are up to date and vulnerable relatives are checked on."
Regarding the strike, Dr. Ifran expressed support for the junior doctors, stating, "Trusts are supportive of their staff to resolve various issues. It's crucial for junior doctors to settle this with the government. We understand the difficulties for patients, and we've been working to ensure services are as safe as possible."