Plea to use Wiltshire health services wisely during junior doctor's strike
Staff are walking out once again, for four days
A four day strike by junior doctors could have an impact on services across Wiltshire, including at Salisbury District Hospital.
They're walking out from 7.00am this morning (Friday 11th August) through until 7.00am on Tuesday morning (15th August), in a row over pay.
Local health bosses say normal service at our hospitals like SDH will be significantly disrupted during the strike action.
Patients are likely to see pre-planned appointments postponed and waiting times for urgent and emergency care increase.
We're asked to help, by using services responsibly, so that frontline teams can look after those most in need of care.
Dr Amanda Webb, Chief Medical Officer of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) for Wiltshire, said:
“As strike action within the NHS become more frequent, we need people’s understanding and continued support.
“It makes a huge difference if people can, wherever possible, manage simple symptoms at home with the help of over-the-counter medicine and the advice provided on the NHS website.
“Equally important is the need for people to attend their pre-planned hospital appointments unless told otherwise, as failing to turn up, however well intended, will waste all the work that has gone into keeping that specific service running.
“People who find themselves unsure of where to go or what to do regarding a medical issue during the strike should either use NHS 111 online or visit their nearest community pharmacy.”
The Wiltshire ICB also say junior doctors are an 'essential part of day-to-day activity in the NHS', but the strike comes at a 'challenging time' for services.
This walkout is due to be followed by another round of consultant-led industrial action later in the month (from Thursday 24th August).