Dorset health bosses warn of disruption during latest strike action

There's a warning that health services in Dorset could be disrupted this week, by the latest industrial action.

For the first time in NHS history, consultants and junior doctors are walking out together on strike today (Wednesday 20th September).

They're angry over pay and working conditions - and are warning they'll do the same in October if talks with the government aren't successful.

Dorset County Hospital say they're expecting services to be affected by the walkouts.

They've said they have to make sure they have 'adequate staffing levels', which might mean some appointments and surgeries are postponed to maintain patient safety.

Anyone affected by changes will be contacted directly.

We're also asked to use services appropriately - for example:

• Pharmacies can help with allergies, constipation, headaches, earaches and many other ailments

• Use NHS 111 online or by phone for other urgent care needs

• Contact your GP practice for non-urgent care

• If you need mental health support call Connection on 0800 652 0190, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week

• Keep 999 and A&E clear for genuine life-threatening emergencies

NHS National Medical Director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said:

“The NHS is set to experience the equivalent of five ‘Christmas Days’ in the next three weeks, where many routine services and appointments may not be delivered. While colleagues are working hard to ensure we keep patients safe and prioritise emergency and critical care, the collective impact of this on patients and staff cannot be overestimated.

“The level of ongoing disruption to services caused by many thousands of rescheduled appointments is an enormous challenge, and we’re very grateful to the public for using the NHS wisely during this unprecedented period by using 999 in life-threatening situations and 111 online and community services like pharmacies and GPs for everything else.”

At Dorset County Hospital, we're also being called upon to help free up staff and services, if we have friends or relatives ready for discharge from hospital.

They've said 'staying in hospital for longer than needed has a negative impact on how well patients recover'.

We're asked to collect those who need to go home to continue their recovery, to keep hospital beds available for people who need them most urgently.

First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.