Junior doctors today (Monday 13th March) began strike action, led by the British Medical Association and will continue until 15 March.
It is expected that there will be disruption to NHS services during the three days, and University Hospitals of North Midlands is asking the public for their support to help reduce the impact of this disruption to our patients.
Emergency care – 999 and emergency departments are still the right services if it is a life-saving emergency – will be prioritised at Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital, Stafford.
However, for anything that isn’t a life-threatening illness or injury, the public are asked to use 111 online as the first port of call for health needs. You can also call 111 for help, advice and signposting to the most appropriate service.
Some planned appointments and clinics have been rescheduled but patients are asked to plan to attend their appointments unless they are contacted directly by the Trust. If an appointment needs to be rescheduled, patients will be contacted directly.
Pharmacies, walk-in centres, and GP services will also continue to be available across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
UHNM Medical Director, Dr Matthew Lewis said:
“Patient safety is our absolute priority and we are working together with our healthcare partners to ensure essential urgent and emergency care services are available so that patients can continue to access vital medical attention when they need it most.
“We are asking patients to help NHS staff during the three days and use services wisely. Only use our emergency departments and 999 for life-threatening illnesses or injuries to ensure care is available to patients who need it most. If it is not an emergency, use NHS 111 online as the first port of call for help, advice and support.
“We have put plans in place to limit the impact on some appointments and clinics but ask patients to continue to attend planned appointments unless you hear directly from us to make new arrangements.
“We thank the public for their support and we are also incredibly grateful to all of our staff for their hard work and dedication.”
