Junior doctors' strike — patients urged to use services 'wisely'

ROTHERHAM health bosses are working to “prioritise resources” and advising people to use A&E services “wisely” during planned industrial action by junior doctors.

Industrial action is due to take place across the country from 7am on Friday, August 11, until 7am on Tuesday, August 15.

It follows five days of strikes by junior doctors last month.

The British Medical Association said junior doctors in the NHS in England were taking strike action to achieve "full pay restoration to reverse the steep decline in pay faced by junior doctors since 2008/9".

Junior doctors are qualified doctors in clinical training and range from newly qualified doctors to those with many years’ experience.

A spokesperson for Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust said it was “working to prioritise resources to protect emergency treatment, critical care, neonatal care, maternity, and trauma.

“Some appointments and procedures will be rescheduled – however, patients who have waited the longest for elective care and cancer surgery will be prioritised

“The trust will contact those whose appointments are impacted. If not contacted, patients should attend as normal.”

Anyone who needs emergency medical care should still come forward during the period of industrial action.

If emergency medical care is not needed, patients are asked to consider alternative services to the Urgent and Emergency Care Centre such as NHS 111, GPs, and local pharmacists.

GP practices will be open as usual during the strikes.

Susan Douglas, deputy medical director at the trust, said: “As with previous strikes, we have plans in place to maintain safe and effective care for patients.

“We urge patients to use our services wisely and only attend UECC for urgent and emergency medical care.

“We anticipate that patients could experience long waits in UECC during this time.

“If you don’t know where is best to seek medical advice, visit www.111.nhs.uk.

“If we have not contacted you to cancel your appointment, please attend as planned.”