South west Londoners are being reminded by the local NHS to prepare for the two Easter bank holidays and be aware the junior doctors’ strike that follows.
With bank holidays this Friday 7 April and next Monday 10 April, south west London’s medical director John Byrne is urging people to order repeat prescriptions and stock up on any medication for any existing health conditions.
Dr Byrne said that while NHS remains very busy people will still 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 can also visit 111 online – 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: “Help yourself stay well over the bank holiday break by making sure you have enough medication to see you through. If you do run out, NHS 111 online can offer advice on how to get an emergency supply. But it’s always best to be prepared.”
Industrial action by junior doctors who are part of the British Medical Association and Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association, is set to take place from Tuesday 11 to Saturday 15 April, which will have a huge impact on NHS services, especially coming directly after the upcoming bank holidays.
Dr Byrne said: “The days immediately after bank holiday weekends are normally very challenging for the NHS and this four-day strike is taking place straight after the Easter weekend so we need 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.
“We’re working incredibly hard to reduce the impact of the industrial action but know that this is a worrying time for patients.
“With junior doctors striking in hospitals from next Tuesday morning until Saturday morning, the NHS will be disrupted and unfortunately patients may face postponements to their treatment.
“During strike action emergency treatment will be prioritised, so it’s still 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 for a medical problem, go to 111.nhs.uk, unless it is a life-threatening emergency when you should still call 999.
“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.”
The junior doctors’ strike starts at 6.59am on Tuesday 11 April 2023 and ends at 6.59am on Saturday 15 April.
Over the Easter bank holidays, 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 0800 028 8000 – https://www.swlstg.nhs.uk/patients-carers/crisis-support/mental-health-support-line
- For Croydon call South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust on 0800 731 2864 (Option 1) https://slam.nhs.uk/contact-us.
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 www.nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-pharmacy.
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.