OUH warn of disruption ahead of resident doctor strikes this week
Strike action is planned to start this Friday, lasting five days
People across Oxfordshire are being contacted about having their hospital appointments rescheduled due to the five days of strike action by resident doctors which are planned to start this Friday.
The trust also says that if you have not heard by the day of your appointment, to still come to your procedure or appointment as planned.
Oxford University Hospitals are also urging people ‘to choose services appropriately during the upcoming period of industrial action’, due to expected disruption across hospitals.
Resident doctors are taking industrial action from 7am on Friday 14 November until 7am on Wednesday 19 November, as part of an ongoing dispute between resident doctors and the Government.
Felicity Taylor-Drewe, Chief Operating Officer at OUH, said: “As always, our top priority during this planned industrial action is ensuring patient safety while maintaining the highest standard of care.
“We are committed to keeping disruption to a minimum, and we have measures in place to ensure the safety and welfare of our patients and our staff.
“However, with industrial action reducing the number of resident doctors we have working in our hospitals, there will inevitably be a knock-on effect and patients may experience longer waiting times, particularly in our two Emergency Departments at the John Radcliffe and Horton General Hospitals.
“We will prioritise patients who are in genuine need of emergency care. It is important that patients requiring urgent medical care continue to seek help as usual, especially in emergencies and life-threatening situations.
“If your condition is less serious, you may face long waits or be directed to other services such as your local pharmacy, Minor Injuries Unit, or GP. If you don’t know where to get support, contact NHS 111 who can provide advice and direct you to the best place for the care you need.”
Felicity added: “Our staff are working extremely hard during this challenging period – please do treat them with respect. We do not tolerate aggressive or abusive behaviour towards our staff. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during another period of industrial action."