Patients warned they may face longer waits during 16th resident doctor strikes
Hospital patients across England are being warned to expect longer waits for treatment as resident doctors prepare to stage their 16th round of strike action.
The walkout, scheduled from 7am on Monday 15 June until 6.59am on Friday 19 June, is likely to place additional strain on NHS services, including at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier Hospitals.
Some planned appointments may need to be rescheduled, though patients are advised to attend as normal unless contacted directly.
Emergency care will remain a priority, and the public is being urged to continue to call 999 or attend hospital in life-threatening situations.
Group Chief Medical Officer Dr Richard Jennings said the action would significantly increase pressure on services.
He said: “We will continue to look after our sickest patients by prioritising emergency care, but the strikes will add huge pressure onto our services.
“Patients coming to an emergency department when it’s not an emergency will be waiting longer – or even directed to another service.
“We are doing all we can to prepare, but this strike will cause major disruption.”
Colleagues including consultant doctors, pharmacists, therapists and phlebotomists have been asked to work additional shifts in emergency departments, emergency theatres and wards so we can continue providing urgent care to those who really need it during the strikes.
Patients with non-urgent needs are being encouraged to use NHS 111 online or contact their GP as surgeries remain unaffected by the strike.
Alternatively, you can seek help from a local pharmacist who can advise on medications and treat seven common health problems without you needing to see a GP first.
