Further strike action will impact on local NHS services – community asked to continue to ‘think which service’

From Monday, 2 October at 7am both Junior Doctors and Consultants will be taking strike action, ending on 7am Thursday 5 October, so it is vital that the public continue to use services wisely.

Dr Nick White, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: “The NHS faces coordinated industrial action next week stretching over three days with both consultants and junior doctors striking in our hospitals. We will be prioritising emergency care and please be aware that it is highly likely planned or non-emergency work will be significantly impacted. If you have a planned appointment, please come in as expected, unless you hear otherwise.

“The NHS is asking patients to choose services wisely during the industrial action and take simple steps to help ensure care is available to patients who need it most.

“This includes using 111 online as the first port of call for health needs and continuing to only use 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency.

“GP practices and local pharmacies will remain open as normal but are expected to be busier than usual as a result. Also, please consider using your local Minor Injury Unit in Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Oswestry and Whitchurch. These can provide rapid treatment for injuries and illnesses that don’t require emergency hospital care.

“Finally, if you have a loved one or family member in hospital, please do everything possible to help us get them home as soon as they are well enough to leave hospital. Freeing up beds for people who need them will be an important element of supporting our all of our services, including the emergency services.”

How you can help:

• Only go to an emergency department if you have a life-threatening injury or illness.
• Visit NHS 111 online if you need urgent medical help. They can assess and direct you to the right place and help you get treated sooner. If needed a healthcare professional will call you back and this option can save you time in waiting areas. If you do not have internet access or you are contacting 111 about a patient aged 5 or under, please call 111 instead.
• Consider using your local Minor Injury Unit in Bridgnorth, Ludlow, Oswestry and Whitchurch. These can provide rapid treatment for injuries and illnesses that don’t require emergency hospital care. No appointment is necessary.
• Use your local pharmacist for minor illnesses such as upset stomachs, earache, skin rashes and for relief of coughs and colds. They are open late and no appointment is needed.
• GP practices will also continue to be open, including the enhanced access service (out of hours) but are also likely to be extremely busy. Please continue to contact your GP practice if you need GP services and the out of hours service can be reached via nhs.uk.  Remember you can also book appointments and order repeat prescriptions online or by using the NHS app.
• If you have a loved one or family member in hospital, help us get them home as soon as they are well enough to leave our care.

Patients should continue to call 999 in a medical or mental health emergency – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.

For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, you can visit the NHS UK website.

Thank you for helping and for treating our staff with the respect they deserve.