Public urged to use NHS services wisely during resident doctor industrial action
People across Sussex and Surrey are being urged to support NHS services and choose the right care during a period of planned industrial action by resident doctors.
The British Medical Association (BMA) has confirmed that resident doctors will take industrial action nationally from 7am on Tuesday, 7 April until 7am on Sunday, 13 April.
During this time, the NHS in Sussex and Surrey are working closely with health and care partners to protect patient safety and maintain essential services.
Measures will be put in place to prioritise urgent and emergency care, and people can continue to get the help and support they need.
However, the planned industrial action comes as services are currently facing high levels of demand as the NHS comes out of the winter period, including increased cases of norovirus affecting hospitals and bed availability.
The strike action will also start just after a long bank holiday weekend, which is usually also a busy time for local health services.
As a result, the public is being asked to play their part by making use of the right service at the right time to help ensure care is available for those who need it most.
For urgent but non-life-threatening medical needs, people should use NHS 111 online or by phone, which is available 24-hours a-day.
People can also make use of Pharmacy First, where highly trained pharmacists can provide advice and treatment for a range of common conditions.
Patients should continue to attend planned appointments unless contacted directly by the NHS.
People are also asked to support loved ones to leave hospital promptly when they are medically ready, helping to free up beds for those who need care.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of norovirus, flu, COVID-19 or other infectious illnesses is advised to avoid visiting healthcare settings unless it is an emergency.
Professor Andrew Rhodes, Joint Chief Medical Officer for NHS Sussex and Surrey Heartlands, said:
The NHS has well-established plans in place to ensure that essential services continue during industrial action, but we are likely to see increased pressure across our services.
With illnesses such as norovirus currently circulating, it is especially important that people make use of the right service at the right time so they can get the help they need.
For health concerns that aren’t an emergency, we really encourage people to use NHS 111 or consider Pharmacy First, where highly trained pharmacists can offer advice and treatment for a range of common conditions, without you needing to see a GP or make an appointment.
By using services appropriately, people can help ensure they get the right support and emergency care is available for those who need it most.
For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, you can visit the NHS UK website.