The NHS is appealing for the public’s support as it prepares for the junior doctors’ strike this week (13th – 18th July), immediately followed by a consultant’ strike next week (20th -21st July).
Dr Anna Davey, GP and Primary Care Partner member for NHS Mid and South Essex said:
“The local NHS will be under greater pressure than usual during this time and we encourage people to be prepared for their medical needs in advance and to know what to do should they, or a family member, become unwell.
“If you need medical help or advice, please use the NHS symptom checker at nhs.uk or visit NHS 111 online in the first instance unless it is a life-threatening emergency when you should still call 999 or go to A&E.
“We are committed to keeping disruption to services to a minimum. Our focus is on providing safe care for patients who need urgent and emergency services, and those receiving inpatient care in our hospitals.
“You’ll be contacted if your appointment needs to be changed, so please turn up as usual if you are not contacted. We know how disappointing it will be for patients who have their appointments rescheduled and all efforts will be made to rearrange the appointments as quickly as possible”.
GP practices will also be without junior doctors during the industrial action. Please be patient with practice teams as they try get through large volumes of calls and prioritise care accordingly.
Local pharmacies are also great source of help and advice and residents do not need an appointment to speak with a pharmacist.”
For more information, please visit the www.midandsouthessex.ICS.nhs.uk or the national NHS website: nhs.uk
