We are working hard to make sure that any disruption to services is kept to an absolute minimum during this time, and that the quality of patient care we provide is not compromised.
If we need to rearrange your appointment during the industrial action, we will contact you. If you have not heard from us and have an appointment scheduled, please come to hospital as planned.
As always, we are asking people to only come to our A&E departments in an emergency. Patients and the wider public can also help us to ensure that the NHS continues to operate as effectively as possible during this busy period:
• Those people looking after especially vulnerable groups – such as the elderly, children and people with long-term conditions – should contact their GP if they have concerns about accessing medical care during the course of this industrial action.
• Patients in need of urgent and emergency care will continue to receive the treatment they need, when they need it. However, due to increased pressures on the NHS over this period, those in less urgent need of care may experience longer waiting times than normal and some elective operations may need to be postponed or rearranged. In all cases priority will be given to those patients with the most pressing health needs.
• People are also reminded of the other healthcare options available instead of calling 999 – such as visiting their pharmacist or GP, calling NHS 111 or using NHS Choices (nhs.uk).