Six days of major disruption for NHS
All areas: NHS prioritises urgent and emergency care during strike
The NHS is in the midst of six days of major disruption at a time when services are already under ‘significant winter pressure.’
Junior doctors in England began strike action from 7am on Wednesday and will continue until
7am on Tuesday, January 9.
NHS leaders warned the impact will be ‘very challenging’ for local services.
The NHS is prioritising urgent and emergency care as consultants step in to cover for junior doctors, who make up 50 per cent of the medical workforce.
NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust runs hospitals, GP surgeries and other medical services in Windsor, Maidenhead Slough and surrounding areas.
Despite ‘extensive planning and cover arrangements’, the latest strikes by junior doctors are expected to cause ‘widespread disruption’ over the six days.
This impacts almost all routine care, adding ‘extra administrative burden’ and difficulties with discharging patients.
People should continue to use services as they normally would when they need urgent medical help – using 999 and A&E in lifethreatening emergencies.
General practice, community pharmacies, and dentistry are open, and the public ‘should continue to access these services as needed’ on strike days.
W St Marks Urgent Primary Care Centre offers same day urgent care for both minor illness and minor injuries for Maidenhead registered patients. Your GP practice or NHS 111 can book you into this service.
■ If you are feeling worried about your mental health, visit Mental Health Support at Frimley Health and Care: https://www.frimleyhealthandcare.org.uk/your-health/choosethe-right-service/mental-healthsupport
■ If you are in a mental health crisis, call 111 or text Shout to 85258. Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone.
■ If you are unsure of what service to choose, visit NHS 111 online https://111.nhs.uk
■ It includes a symptom checker and can connect you to a nurse, emergency dentist, pharmacist or book you a same day primary care appointment for minor illness or injury.
■ If your child is unwell, and you’re not sure where the best place to go for advice is, visit the NHS Frimley Healthier Together website or download the app.
Dr Lalitha Iyer, chief medical officer for NHS Frimley ICB, said: “There are steps we can all take to make sure we use the most appropriate service for our needs and ensure that help can be prioritised to those who need it most.
“It’s very important that people who need medical care come forward, especially when someone has a life-threatening illness or injury.
“A range of services are available to ensure Accident and Emergency Departments (A&E) are freed up to treat those with lifethreatening and critical illnesses or injuries. Care for life-threatening or serious illness/injury will be prioritised.
“If you are unwell or injured, it’s important to choose the right service to make sure you get the best treatment as quickly as possible.”