Glastonbury Festival: plea to 'use services wisely' amid Junior Doctors strike
The strike follows a week of hot weather in the region
Last updated 27th Jun 2024
As thousands of people descend on Somerset's Worthy Farm- we're being urged to stay alert to the hot weather, and 'use services wisely', as Junior Doctors begin their next round of strikes.
Health bosses in Bristol, Bath and Somerset are all asking people to 'choose services wisely' to ease pressure on services.
The industrial action has been planned by the British Medical Association, and takes place from 07:00 on Thursday 27 June until 07:00 on Tuesday 2 July.
It's the eleventh time members of the British Medical Association have taken strike action - and they're already threatening more later this summer - if the next government doesn't begin 'timely' negotiations on pay.
The NHS in Somerset say they are 'committed' to keeping disruption to their services to a minimum, especially with Glastonbury Festival also taking place, whilst healthcare leaders who manage Bath's Royal United Hospital say they are 'working to minimise disruption for patients' during the strikes.
The call for patients and members of the public by them is to show the same level of support that was seen during previous rounds of industrial action.
Regardless of any industrial action taking place, patients who need urgent medical care should continue to come forward, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
Dr Bernie Marden, Chief Medical Officer, NHS Somerset said, “We know that services will be under pressure this week. “The NHS in Somerset is working hard to keep people safe and to keep the disruption to its services to a minimum, but we ask people to help us to help them by choosing the right service for their needs and to take steps to keep themselves well.
“With Glastonbury Festival also taking place this week and expected warm weather, we are sharing a few reminders about simple steps people can take to look after themselves, and stay healthy and well.”
Gill May, Chief Nurse, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “Although we are no longer in the depths of winter, all periods of prolonged industrial action within the NHS are real causes for concern, and this one especially so, due to it coinciding with this year’s Glastonbury.
“Our hospitals throughout the five-day walkout, as well as in the days immediately after, are expected to be extremely busy, with our teams doing their utmost to keep services running so that people requiring urgent care can get the help they desperately need.
“Local people can support us in achieving this difficult task by only visiting hospital or calling 999 in genuine, life-threatening emergencies and by seeking help for minor illnesses and injuries from the many other services that will be open as usual during the strikes.”
Tips on staying well during the heat
In the warmer weather, we're told that hot weather can cause some people to become well through overheating, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Some of the NHS' top tips include:
- Keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am-3pm
- If this is not possible, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, including a hat, seek shade and apply sunscreen
- Drink plenty of fluids– water and diluted squash are good choices. Swap sugary drinks for diet, sugar free or no sugar varieties
- Limit alcohol, which has a dehydrating effect on the body – understand the symptoms of dehydration
- Check in on friends, family and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell
People heading to Glastonbury Festival
Somerset Council’s Public Health team and the UK Health Security Agency have shared some guidance on staying safe and well during the festival - and are also reminding us all to use NHS services wisely.
People should only call 999 if it is a medical or mental health emergency, and for medical care and advice, you're asked to visit 111 online first.
For a minor health condition, you can visit local pharmacist, and for symptoms that won’t go away, call your GP.
For minor injuries or urgent but not life-threatening conditions such as sprains, fractures, and burns you can visit a local Urgent Treatment Centre, and if you're struggling with your mental health - help is available through Open Mental Health which offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can also contact Mindline Somerset locally on 01823 276892 or freephone 0800 138 1692.
Industrial action updates can be found here.
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