Health Chief Warns of “Triple Trouble” with doctors’ strike after Easter
The NHS is heading into a triple threat this weekend as a six-day resident doctor walkout comes hot on the heels of the Easter bank holiday weekend – coinciding with more children generally being treated for injuries during the school holidays.
As strike action takes place across England, the Chief Medical Officer for St George’s, Epsom and St Helier hospitals (gesh) is warning that people needing treatment across London and Surrey should be prepared for longer waits and busier waiting rooms.
Paediatric consultants have also cautioned that children’s services tend to see an increase in minor injuries following activities taking place during the school holidays.
While some planned appointments may need to be rescheduled due to the strikes, plans are in place to maintain services and patients should still attend their appointments unless told otherwise – and should always come to hospital in an emergency.
Group Chief Medical Officer Dr Richard Jennings, said: “The strikes will add huge pressure onto our services — we will continue to look after our sickest patients by prioritising emergency care.
“Patients coming to an emergency department when it’s not an emergency will be waiting longer – or even directed to another service. While we’re doing everything we can to prepare, this strike will cause major disruption.”
Those who need non-urgent medical help during industrial action can:
- Use NHS 111 online, a 24/7 service, which should always be the first port of call for a health need that’s not an emergency, as it will direct people to the best place to get help for symptoms
- Visit a pharmacy for advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, and aches and pains
- Contact their local GP, as these are not affected by the strikes
To continue providing urgent care to those who really need it during the strikes, staff members including consultant doctors, pharmacists, therapists and phlebotomists have been asked to work additional shifts in emergency departments, emergency theatres and wards.
The strikes will take place from 7am on Tuesday 7 April until 6.59am on Monday 13 April.
