NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin warns of ‘significant disruption’ as consultant strike ahead of the bank holiday

As we head into the August bank holiday, the NHS is bracing itself for further disruption and asking the public to plan ahead as consultants, who are the most senior clinicians, plan for a second round of industrial action.

Consultant doctors who are members of the British Medical Association (BMA) are set to take industrial action for 48 hours from 7am on Thursday, 24 August, until 7am on Saturday, 26 August. Consultants will still provide staffing levels to cover emergency care.

Dr Nick White, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: “This 48-hour strike action is just before a busy bank holiday which means NHS services will have very little time to recover from the disruption.

“We will continue to prioritise emergency care, but we really need the public’s support again to be able to provide high-quality NHS care to our local communities, patients, families, and carers. Residents across the county are urged to “think which service” to help to make sure everyone in the local community gets the right help at the right time.

“The public should only attend A&E or call 999 in an emergency, as services will be facing significant pressures from Thursday to Monday. If you can, try using 111 online as your first point of call, and use community pharmacies and minor injury units (in Bridgnorth, Oswestry, Ludlow and Whitchurch) where appropriate.

“The safety of our patients and staff remains our top priority and we would like to thank the public for their ongoing support and understanding.”

If you have an appointment, please continue to come forward for the care you need. Please don’t call to check if your appointment is going ahead. You will be contacted directly if your appointment needs to be rearranged.

No one should be put off seeking urgent or emergency care during the strikes and people with serious, life-threatening conditions will continue to be seen at our A&E departments.

However, please keep 999 and A&E clear for genuine life-threatening emergencies, and use NHS 111 online or by phone for other urgent care needs or if you’re unsure about whether you should go to hospital. If you are contacting 111, please give as much information as you can, as that will help you get the right support and advice. 

Members of the public are reminded:

• Life-threatening emergency or serious injury: call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department (A&E).
• For medical attention and advice: use NHS 111 onlineor call NHS 111 as the first port of call.
• Minor Injury Units, GP surgeries and pharmacies are not impacted by the strike action. Please continue to attend your GP appointments, unless you are contacted and told otherwise.
• If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned. The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.
• The NHS is also asking the public to play their part by taking simple steps during industrial action to look after themselves, loved ones and checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.

More information about the industrial action can be found on the NHS England website.