Newsuk newsuk health newsuk health

Junior Doctors NHS Strike: What Patients Need To Know During Walkout

What Patients Need To Know During The Junior Doctors Strike
George Bowden
|

Close to 3,000 operations have been cancelled today as NHS hospitals braced for considerable disruption during the 24-hour walkout by junior doctors.

SEE ALSO:

Formal talks aiming to avert strike action failed in January, when the British Medical Association, which represents junior medics, announced three spells of strike action in England after its negotiations with the Government ended.

But for hundreds of thousands of patients, even the threat of strike action can provide inconvenience. Here's what you need to know about potential disruption during the walkout...

NHS Strike: Advice For Patients
If it's life-threatening, call 999(01 of04)
Open Image Modal
Despite the strike action, emergency treatment will still be readily available for those in life-threatening situations and you mustn't hesitate to call 999 if this is the case.

Don't be worried that Accident and Emergency care will less effective during the strike. The Royal College of Emergency Practitioners says that staff will be redeployed and take on the work of those withdrawing their labour during the walkout. (credit:© Edward Moss / Alamy)
If it's not life-threatening, think twice(02 of04)
Open Image Modal
The NHS is, however, asking people to think twice if their condition is not life-threatening. Those with minor ailments are advised to seek alternative treatment during the strike, for example, by attending their local pharmacy or calling the NHS 111 telephone service.

The Royal College of Emergency Medicine has said that walk-in centres and minor injury clinics may be less affected by strike action, and so may be an alternative option if required. (credit:© RayArt Graphics / Alamy)
Consider your pharmacist too(03 of04)
Open Image Modal
Your community pharmacist is well-placed to advise on common ailments and symptoms and to advise on over-the-counter medications.

A useful tool exists for finding your nearest pharmacist on the NHS Choices website.

Remember to jot down your nearest late night pharmacy too. (credit:© Imagedoc / Alamy)
And remember to stock your medical cabinet(04 of04)
Open Image Modal
It's always worth remembering that minor ailments may even be self-treated with a well-stocked medical cabinet. (credit:© G&D Images / Alamy)

Your hospital will be in touch to re-arrange any operations or appointments affected by the strike - and they'll propose amended dates and times should these be immediately available.

If you haven't heard from your hospital, you can call them directly, or contact NHS 111. Make sure you have your personal NHS number to hand.

READ MORE:

Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip