NHS warns of disruption as junior doctors take part in industrial action just before Christmas
Posted Tuesday, December 19, 2023 4:24 PM
The British Medical Association (BMA) has confirmed that junior doctors will be taking part in strike action across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire in December and January.
Junior doctors will be striking from 7am on 20 December 2023 until 7am on 23 December 2023. A second period of industrial action will then take place from 7am on 3 January 2024 until 7am on 9 January 2024.
The strikes are due to impact the city and county’s hospitals, mental health services, GP practices and other NHS services. The industrial action is a national dispute between the Government and Trades Unions about terms and conditions.
Dr Dave Briggs, Medical Director at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, has reminded the public to think about which services they need during this action and plan ahead for the period of disruption.
He said: “Like previous strikes, there will be major disruption during this period, but this one is compounded by the fact it is the busier winter period and also a public holiday. If it’s not a life-threatening emergency, an Urgent Treatment Centre can help with the most common problems people go to A&E for, such as suspected broken bones, minor head injury or burns. If you think you need medical help right now but you’re not sure what to do, NHS 111 can help.
“We are committed to keeping disruption to a minimum and we have measures in place to ensure the safety and welfare of our patients and our staff. However, junior doctors do a vital job, so losing this part of our workforce, especially during this period, will inevitably have a knock-on effect.
“We are doing everything we can to keep essential urgent and emergency care services running but waiting times in A&E will be significantly affected. Please use alternative services where possible, including 111 online, pharmacies or urgent treatment centres.”
Due to the reduction in staff across the system, planned surgery and outpatient appointments may be affected. If you have not been contacted, please attend your appointment as planned. The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to the strike action.
Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is really important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases by calling 999 or going to A&E. Where the situation is not life-threatening, alternative support is available through NHS111 online, your nearest pharmacy or at urgent treatment centres.
Pharmacies can offer over-the-counter advice and treat common illnesses such as colds, sore throats, stings and allergies. Many pharmacies are offering additional services for common conditions including urinary tract infections, middle ear infections in young children, skin infections including impetigo, infected eczema and infected insect bites. Find out more about services available at pharmacies.
