People are being reminded to only attend A&E in a life-threatening emergency
Five days of industrial action by resident doctors is set to go ahead. The British Medical Association announced resident doctors, formally known as junior doctors, in England will stage a walk out between 7am on Friday (November 14) until 7am on Wednesday (November 19).
During this period, all other NHS staff, including consultants and other specialist doctors, will be working. The NHS will ensure as many services as possible continue to operate safely.
Ahead of the five days of industrial action, the NHS is asking patients to choose services appropriately. This includes using 111 online as the first port of call for health needs and only using 999 if it is a serious or life-threatening emergency.
Dr Hamish McLure, Regional Medical Director for NHS North East and Yorkshire, said: “We’re reminding people they should continue to use services as they normally would when they need urgent medical help – by using 999 and A&E in life-threatening emergencies only.
“For other health concerns, please use NHS 111 – on the NHS App, online, or by phone. GP services and pharmacies are also available for patients and can be accessed in the normal way.”
Dr McLure said NHS staff have been working hard to mitigate the impact of strike action. Trusts were putting in place measures to maintain care for those who need it urgently.
Planned appointments unable to go ahead have been rescheduled. Patients who haven’t been contacted or informed that their planned appointment has been postponed should attend as normal, Dr McLure added.
He said everyone can play their part by taking steps to keep themselves and others safe during the five days of industrial action. For example, by checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.
Ahead of industrial action, people who need prescribed medication are reminded they can easily order repeat prescriptions via the NHS App or through their GP practice website. If they don’t have access to GP online services, they can phone their GP practice.
For advice on preparing a fully stocked first aid kit for the home, visit the St John Ambulance webpage. For more information about the resident doctors’ industrial action, including frequently asked questions, please visit the NHS website.
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