Local Hospital Advises Patients What To Do During Doctors’ Strike

Published on: 23 Apr, 2016
Updated on: 26 Apr, 2016

Royal Surrey County Hospital (RSCH) say that they are: “…putting together a comprehensive and rigorous plan ahead of the proposed full walkout by junior doctors.”

The British Medical Association (BMA) has called for the first full withdrawal of labour by junior doctors – everyone up to consultant level – in the NHS’ history on April 26 and 27.

Unlike previous occasions, the junior doctors will not provide emergency care between the hours of 8am and 5pm on both days.

The RSCH statement predicts: “This will cause significant disruption to patients who were due to have planned operations, procedures and outpatient appointments during this period.

Medical Director Christopher Tibbs said: “As always patient safety remains our number one priority and we are putting together exhaustive plans to ensure that this is not compromised.

“Junior doctors make up a significant part of our medical workforce and account for around 50 per cent of our doctor population, so the proposed full walkout will have a considerable impact on some services.

“We will continue to offer a full emergency service should the strike go ahead, but it will see the postponement of the majority of planned elective surgical procedures and more outpatient appointments than on previous occasions.

The hospital intends to contact patients if they have an operation, procedure or appointment during the proposed strike which needs to be re-arranged. Otherwise, they are asking for patients to attend the hospital as organised.

Mr Tibbs continued: “We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused to patients, but are ask for their understanding.

“Please remember, that your GP practice will be open as normal during the proposed industrial action. If you need medical help, but it’s not serious or life threatening please contact your GP, visit your local pharmacy and walk in centre and call NHS 111.

“If your condition is serious or life threatening, you should call 999 or come to A & E.”