NEARLY 200 outpatient appointments had to be cancelled today by the local health trust due to the 48 hour strike by junior doctors, which finished at 8am on Friday, April 8.
Dr Andy Phillips, interim chief medical officer at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said that across the trust area a total of 116 junior doctors were on strike today, Wednesday, April 6.
The strike means that the doctors will only be providing emergency care at hospitals during this 48-hour period.
“We are working hard to ensure that the quality and safety of care that we provide to patients is maintained during this period of strike action,” said Dr Phillips.
“Our focus during this tim eframe will therefore be on providing emergency and maternity care, care to patients staying on our wards and cancer patients.
“Emergency care will be prioritised—we expect to run all urgent and emergency care services, including A&E and maternity.”
So far consultants have been covering and will continue to cover the usual duties of junior doctors on hospital wards to ensure the safety of inpatients.
Other clinical staff including nurses, midwives and allied health professionals will be providing further clinical cover to ensure patient safety.
The current figures for the Trust are:
Total number of junior doctors on strike – Wed 6 = 116
Total number of cancelled/postponed outpatient appointments – Wed 6 = 196
Total number of cancelled/postponed inpatient operations – Wed 6 = 6
Total number of cancelled/postponed day appointments – Wed 6 = 8
Total number of cancelled/postponed outpatient appointments – Thu 7 = 112
Total number of cancelled/postponed inpatient operations – Thu 7 = 6
Total number of cancelled/postponed day case appointments – Thu 7 = 2
“Planned services our hospitals provide will be affected and we are in touch with the patients concerned, however, if you have an appointment on either Wednesday or Thursday and haven’t heard from us, we still want to see you,” added Dr Phillips.
“Patients in need of emergency hospital care will continue to receive the treatment they need when they need it. In all cases priority will be given to those patients with the most pressing health needs.
“A&E is for medical emergencies and people facing life-threatening conditions such as serious accidents, serious burns, breathing problems, heart attacks and strokes.
“Anyone who needs help in such circumstances should not hesitate in calling 999. There are other healthcare options available for less serious situations – such as visiting your pharmacist or GP, calling NHS 111 or using NHS Choices – www.nhs.uk.” http://www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/news/junior-doctors-industrial-action-april/ .
