NHS warns of severe disruption in coming days
Posted Tuesday, January 2, 2024 10:02 AM
The NHS is warning the public of severe disruption to services in the coming days.
Junior doctors are taking part in a second round of industrial action from 7am on 3 January 2024 until 7am on 9 January 2024. This period of action is set to cause severe delays to NHS services as January is already a difficult time for the NHS due to the pressures of winter.
The last action by junior doctors saw 86,329 inpatient and outpatient appointments rescheduled across the country during the three-day strike.
Like the previous strike, this strike is due to impact the city and county’s hospitals, mental health services, GP practices and other NHS services. 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.
Dr Dave Briggs, Medical Director at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said: “I would like to thank the public and staff for their support over the Christmas period, this has not been an easy time for the NHS.
“As we head into the next round of industrial action, I would like to remind everyone that this will cause severe disruption and you can help by only going to A&E or calling 999 if it is a life-threatening illness. Please use alternative services where possible, including 111 online, pharmacies or urgent treatment centres.
“By choosing the right service, you will be freeing up staff and vital hospital beds for those that need them the most. If you are in doubt about which service you should use, contact 111 online and they will inform you of the best place to go.”
Where the situation is not life-threatening, alternative support is available through NHS111 online, your nearest pharmacy or at urgent treatment centres. In an emergency call 999 or go to A&E. Pharmacies can offer over-the-counter advice and treat common illnesses such as colds, sore throats, stings and allergies. Find out more about how pharmacies can help you by visiting the NHS website.
