Public warned of ‘huge disruption’ to NHS services during resident doctors’ strikes
Resident doctors’ strikes will put extra pressure on NHS services over the coming week – as hospitals see their busiest summer in years.
The five-day walkout, which will take place across England – including at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group (gesh) – comes at a time of huge pressure.
Several heatwaves, combined with more patients with increasingly complex needs needing beds, have contributed to greater demand – with hundreds more people visiting our emergency departments (ED) this summer compared to previous years.
Between 1 June and 14 July this year, over 800 more people attended our EDs compared to the same period last year – and 1,700-plus more people compared to the previous year.
Many of these have been admitted to hospital, with common reasons including respiratory problems, shortness of breath, chest pain and falls.
While many appointments will need to be rescheduled due to the strikes, patients should still attend unless they hear otherwise – and should always come to hospital in an emergency.
Dr Richard Jennings, Group Chief Medical Officer for St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group, said: “During previous strikes, we maintained safe emergency services by pulling consultants away from planned operations, procedures and outpatient appointments – meaning many operations and appointments were cancelled or rescheduled.
“Patients coming to an emergency department when it’s not an emergency will be waiting longer – or even directed to another service. While we’re doing everything we can to prepare, these strikes will cause huge disruption.”
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
Dr Jennings added: “We have a difficult week coming up and we need members of the public to help us – whether that’s using the most appropriate service for their health need or taking steps to prevent becoming unwell.
“That said, it’s important that people continue to come forward for care in an emergency and attend any appointments as usual, unless they hear otherwise.”
To continue providing urgent care to those who really need it during the strikes, staff members, including consultant doctors, have been asked to work additional shifts in our emergency departments, emergency theatres and wards.
The strikes take place from 7am on Friday 25 July until 7am on Wednesday 30 July.
