Junior Doctor's Strike Updates
The British Medical Association (BMA) and Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association (HCSA) have announced that junior doctors plan to strike from 06:59 on Tuesday 11 April until 06:59 on Saturday 15th April.
NHS leaders in south east London are urging people to help local health services during a challenging fortnight by using the full range of services available, and only come to emergency departments for life-threatening illness or serious injury.
The NHS is gearing up to limit the impact of a four day strike by junior doctors that starts immediately after the long Easter weekend. The days before and after bank holiday weekends are often challenging for the NHS.
Junior doctors in hospitals will be on strike from 7am on Tuesday 11 April to 7am on Saturday 15 April. When combined with the Easter period, the NHS anticipates there will be pressures upon a more limited workforce for the days immediately before, during and after the actual strikes.
Dr Jonty Heaversedge, Joint Medical Director for the NHS in south east London, says:
“This will be a very busy period in our hospitals. Anyone needing NHS advice or treatment will still be able to access it – but it will help us to help you if you use the right service. Emergency departments are really only for life-threatening illness or injury. In other situations, people should speak with their GP, or go to NHS 111 online or to a pharmacy.”
GP surgeries will be open as usual. During the strike, people with an NHS appointment should attend as planned unless they have been contacted and told their appointment has to be rescheduled. People can also help out by checking in on vulnerable neighbours, friends and relatives.
Andrew Bland, Chief Executive of South East London Integrated Care Board, said: “We know many local people will be worried about so many doctors being on strike. We have put in place comprehensive measures to minimise disruption for patients and to ensure patient safety is the top priority. However, the challenge over the next ten days is going to be the greatest yet. As such we are asking the residents of south east London to be aware of these pressures and encouraging them to do their bit to help out their local NHS.”
The public can help by choosing the most appropriate source of advice and assistance for health problems or concerns – which in most cases means not going to emergency departments. This will ensure that emergency and urgent care is available for those who most need it.
This webpage gives clear information on the range of services available so people can access the right healthcare or advice they or a loved one needs.
