'Help us, help you' say Royal Surrey as junior doctor strike gets underway
What is being described as the most disruptive strike in NHS history begins this morning. (11 April).
Junior doctors in England will walk out for 96 hours - as their union, the BMA, calls for a 35 per cent pay rise.
Ministers say that's unrealistic.
The Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust is asking people to be prepared for high demand upon health services following the Easter bank holiday weekend and disruption throughout the industrial action this week. (11-15 April).
The Trust is appealing to the local community to ‘help us, help you’ by recognising that there is likely to be disruption and pressure on services, using the right health service if they are unwell and being patient if they do need to come to hospital.
Dr Bill Jewsbury, Royal Surrey’s Medical Director, said:
“Previous action by junior doctors saw approximately 28k staff off nationally due to industrial action. These strikes also come after the added pressures of a bank holiday and at a time when relatively high levels of staff are on pre-booked annual leave due to school Easter holidays. We are anticipating a very challenging period.
“As we have seen with previous industrial action, disruption is inevitable, however, it is vital that people do not put off seeking care and dial 999 in a life-threatening emergency and come forward for treatment using 111 online for non-life threatening care, as well as local pharmacies or General Practice.”
During the strike the Trust say they are prioritising and redirecting resources to protect critical services, which include urgent and emergency treatment, inpatient and intensive care, trauma, maternity, neonatal and urgent cancer services.
The Royal Surrey is asking the local community to:
• Familiarise yourself with the right health service for different care needs – including pharmacies, GPs and local Minor Injuries Units – and use the most appropriate one for your needs. If you are unsure about where to go, visit NHS 111 online
• Only use the Emergency Department (A&E) or call 999 if it is an emergency, when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk
• Take simple steps to look after yourself, loved ones and check in on vulnerable family members and neighbours