The local NHS is appealing for south west Londoners’ support as they prepare for a long weekend that will see nurses striking.
With a bank holiday on Monday 1 May and nurses currently expected to strike from 8pm on Sunday 30 April until Tuesday 2 May at St George’s Hospital, The Royal Marsden and Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust in south west London, the area’s medical director John Byrne is urging people to order repeat prescriptions and get medication for any existing health conditions if they are in danger of running out, although he asked people not to stock pile.
South West London medical director Dr Byrne said that while NHS remains very busy people can continue to get urgent care when they need it. GP practices will let their patients know how to access urgent medical help between 8am and 8pm, with contact information also available on practice websites.
People should also visit 111online – 111.nhs.uk – or call 111 at any time, where they will be asked some questions about symptoms on the website or by speaking to a fully trained adviser on the phone.
Go to 111 onlineDr Byrne said: “I would ask everyone to help themselves by ordering and collecting any repeat prescriptions early and ensuring they have enough medication to last the long weekend. NHS 111 online can offer advice on how to get an emergency supply but running out is the last thing you want when your family and friends are enjoying the long weekend.”
Nurses in the Royal College of Nursing are set to take strike action from 8pm on Sunday 30 April until Tuesday 2 May 2023 and this will have an impact on NHS services, especially as it covers the bank holiday.
Dr Byrne said: “The combination of the upcoming bank holiday and the planned strike by nurses will create challenges for the NHS and it is vital people know the best way to access care during that time.
“So we ask for your help during this period – please look after yourselves, check on vulnerable relatives and friends and think about the most appropriate service if you need us.
“It’s still really important that people who need urgent medical care come forward, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases. If you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital, go to 111.nhs.uk unless it is a life-threatening emergency when you should still call 999.
“But with nurses striking from Sunday night until Tuesday, it is inevitable that the NHS will be impacted and while staff are working as hard as they can to minimise the disruption and the worries that come with it, unfortunately patients may face postponements to their treatment.
“Appointments will only be postponed where it is necessary – the NHS will contact you if this is the case. If the NHS has not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned.”
Over the bank holiday weekend, if you need urgent health care:
- If it is a life-threatening emergency, then call 999.
- If you are told to go to hospital, then you must go. The NHS will help you get the care you need.
If you need urgent mental health care:
- For Kingston, Richmond, Merton, Sutton or Wandsworth ring the 24/7 crisis line at South West London St George’s on 0800 028 8000.
- For Croydon call South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust on 0800 731 2864 (option 1).
Contact South London and Maudley NHS Foundation Trust
If you need advice from a pharmacist:
- For minor medical problems, not related to coronavirus, many local pharmacies will be open and are able to help this weekend – although their opening times may be different.
- A number of pharmacies in London will be open for longer hours.
Search for a pharmacy at nhs.uk
If you think you need urgent dental treatment:
- Call your dentist.
- If you cannot contact your dentist, or you do not have one, use the NHS 111 online service or call if you cannot get online.
- If an appointment is necessary, this will be arranged at an urgent dental care centre.
If you think you need advice from a GP:
- GP services are available this bank holiday weekend.
- Contact your practice online or by phone to be assessed.
- If your practice is not open but an appointment is necessary, you will be advised of the next steps. Your appointment may be at another nearby service.