South West Londoners are being reminded that the NHS is there for them despite planned strikes by junior doctors, consultants and radiographers – and if they have an urgent care need to come forward.
Dr John Byrne, NHS South West London’s medical director, said that while the NHS is very busy patients will continue to get emergency care when they need it during the planned strikes this week and next week.
He said that people needing medical help or advice should go to 111.nhs.uk first, unless it is a life-threatening emergency, in which case they need to call 999.
Go to NHS 111 onlinePharmacies and GPs are largely unaffected by the strikes so patients can still get appointments and health advice.
Dr Byrne said that it is important that south west Londoners use emergency services appropriately to ensure care is available to patients who need it most.
He said: “The combination of the junior doctors’ strike and industrial action by consultants will create significant 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 difficult period when the NHS will be very busy – please look after yourselves and check on vulnerable relatives and friends.
“During strike action emergency treatment will be prioritised, so it’s important that people who need urgent medical care still come forward, especially if you have a life-threatening illness or injury when you should still call 999.
If you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital, go to 111.nhs.uk first.
“But the NHS will inevitably be impacted by the strikes and while staff have been preparing extensively to minimise the disruption and the worries that come with it, unfortunately patients may face postponements to their treatment.
“Appointments will only be rescheduled where necessary and the NHS will contact you if this is the case. If you miss an appointment, please re-book and come forward for the care you need.”
- Junior doctors are set for a 72-hour walk out from 7am on Thursday 13 July to 7am on Tuesday 18 July.
- Hospital consultant doctors and hospital consultant dentists are then due to take 48 hours of industrial action from 7am on Thursday 20 July.
- Further industrial action is planned for radiographers from 8am on Tuesday 25 July to 8am on Thursday 27 July. Locally this will affect St George’s Hospital, Croydon Hospital and The Royal Marsden