Further strike action on the way as winter pressures start to bite
Further strike action could place an additional strain on NHS services, as hospitals gear up for a challenging week.
The BMA has announced some resident doctors – formerly known as junior doctors – will strike for five consecutive days from Friday over a pay dispute with the government.
Hundreds of medics from St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group could be among them, at a time when cases of winter illnesses like flu are starting to climb.
Dr Richard Jennings, Group Chief Medical Officer for St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group, said: “Our hospitals are always very busy at this time of year, and unfortunately this – combined with a rise in flu infections and the upcoming strikes – is putting our services under significant pressure.
“Consultant doctors and other staff will be working extra shifts to keep patients safe, but our services will inevitably be impacted, including rescheduling appointments if necessary to maintain our care for the sickest and most seriously ill patients.”
During the last round of resident doctors’ strikes in July, 144 elective procedures and 1,084 outpatient appointments were rescheduled across the hospital Group to prioritise care in emergency departments, emergency theatres and hospital wards.
People will be contacted when changes to appointments need to be made.
Dr Jennings added: “If you have an appointment in one of our hospitals and we haven’t contacted you about it you should attend this as usual – and you should always come to one of our emergency departments or dial 999 when it’s life-threatening.
“With flu cases spiking, there is no time to delay. If you are eligible, get the jab to protect yourself from becoming seriously unwell and help us keep our patients safe this winter.”
The NHS has more information here on winter vaccinations and health here.
Those who need medical help can:
- Use NHS 111 online, a 24/7 service. This should always be the first port of call for a health need that’s not an emergency, as it will direct people to the best place to get help for symptoms
- Visit a pharmacy for advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, and aches and pains
- Contact their local GP, as these are not affected by the strikes
The public can also take steps to safe and well by getting vaccinated, checking in on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours, and washing hands regularly to prevent the spread of illnesses.
The strikes take place from 7am on Friday 14 November until 7am on Wednesday 19 November.
