As consultants and junior doctors prepare to strike together next week, south west Londoners are being reminded that the NHS is still there for them if they need it.
They are set to walk out between Monday 2 October and Thursday 5 October, with radiographers due to join them on Tuesday 3 October. The planned industrial action is expected to cause significant disruption for the NHS.
South west London’s medical director Dr John Byrne again urged people to use health services wisely by continuing to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency and going to NHS 111 online for all non-urgent health needs.
He also reminded south west Londoners that pharmacies and GPs are largely unaffected by the strikes, so patients can still get appointments and health advice.
Dr Byrne said: “We’d like to thank the public for their support during previous strikes and once again we’re asking for your help.
“Please look after yourselves, check on vulnerable friends and relatives and if you do need us, think about the most appropriate service to use.
“During strike action emergency care will be prioritised so it is important that people know that if they need urgent medical care to continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases.
“However, if it is non-life threatening, please think about the right service for your needs. If you need medical help or advice, you should go to 111.nhs.uk and you will be directed to the most appropriate service, which could include your local pharmacy or GP.
“While NHS staff have worked incredibly hard to keep critical services running, the reality is that despite their efforts to minimise the disruption – and worries that come with that –patients will unfortunately 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.”
Consultants and junior doctors plan to take joint industrial action from 7am on Monday 2 October to 7am on Thursday 5 October. Radiographers are set to go on strike for 24 hours from 8am on Tuesday 3 October.
Locally, the radiographer strike will affect St George’s Hospital, Croydon Hospital and The Royal Marsden.