LOCAL NHS organisations are working together to minimise disruption to services during the planned 48 hour industrial action by junior doctors tomorrow, Tuesday April 26 and Wednesday, April 27.
The strike action will this time see a full walk-out by junior doctors, with no emergency cover provided between 8am and 5pm on both days.
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has plans in place to mitigate any industrial action that takes place across the above date. This includes providing cover for key services and making sure that patients in need of emergency care continue to receive the treatment they need.
Patients are being advised that they can do a number of things to prepare for any disruption during the strike, but also in advance of the bank holiday weekend. People should make sure that any prescriptions are ordered and collected in plenty of time, their medicine cabinet is fully stocked with essentials such as plasters and pain killers and be aware of the health care services that are available:
Rab McEwan interim chief operating officer, said: “We have been working with doctors not affected by the strike, nurses and other clinical staff on robust plans to ensure that appropriate care is delivered.
“Normal services our hospitals provide will be affected and we are in touch with the patients concerned, however, if you have an appointment on either Tuesday or Wednesday and haven’t heard from us, we still want to see you.”
Mr McEwan added: “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.”
Self-care advice from NHS England:
Many minor complaints such as coughs and colds can be treated by staying at home, getting plenty of rest and making sure you have a well-stocked medicine cabinet.
Your local community Pharmacy
Your local pharmacist can give expert, confidential advice or medicines for minor ailments such as coughs and colds, tummy troubles and much more.
NHS 111
Call NHS 111 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for fast, free medical advice when it’s not an emergency. This can include arranging an out-of-hours GP appointment.
GP services
GPs can help you with many health problems and complaints and can provide a wide range of family health services. Contact your GP for an appointment before attending A&E. If you are not registered with a GP visit www.nhs.uk to find a surgery in your area.
Minor Injury Units
Minor Injury Units (MIUs) offer fast, convenient and expert care for minor conditions including cuts, grazes, sprains and burns. Waiting times are on average 20 minutes.
There are five MIUs across Worcestershire:
• Bromsgrove – Princess of Wales Community Hospital, Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove, B61 0BB
• Evesham – Evesham Community Hospital, Waterside, Evesham, WR11 1JT
• Kidderminster – Kidderminster Hospital, Bewdley Road, Kidderminster, DY11 6RJ
• Malvern – Malvern Community Hospital, 185 Worcester Road, WR14 1EX
• Tenbury – Tenbury Community Hospital, Worcester Road, Tenbury Wells, WR15 8AP
