Salisbury District Hospital OPEN despite consultant strikes
But some appointments have been cancelled
Even though BMA consultants are going on strike, Salisbury District Hospital is open.
However, we are warned that things might be slower in the hospital as staff will prioritise those with the highest need.
A&E remains open, but some appointments have been cancelled.
Many people will have been contacted regarding their appointments already and the message is to attend if you have NOT been contacted.
A&E open, attend appointments unless told not to
We spoke to Dave Roberts, the associate director for communications, engagement and community relations at Salisbury District Hospital:
He said: “If you need life saving treatment and is there for you if you've got a major injury and is there for you, we do want you presenting if you need that level of emergency care.
“We ask people to be patient if they do attend to the hospital, things might be slower.
“We will always prioritise the most in need and therefore if your need is not as high as somebody else's, then we will be prioritising that other person. But we are open.”
Consultants left with no choice
BMA consultants are on strike today (Thursday 20th July) and tomorrow (Friday) in a row over pay with the government.
Last weeks pay award of 6% was labelled ‘derisory’ by the BMA, leading to the latest round of strikes.
Dr Vishal Sharma, BMA consultants committee chair, says they have been left with no choice:
“The Government has once again imposed a savage real terms pay cut on consultants. When inflation is running at more than 11%, this is nothing short of insulting.
“Consultants have always been clear that industrial action is a last resort but in the face of a Government intent on devaluing consultants’ expertise and their lack of regard for the impact this is having on the NHS.”