NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is bracing itself for consultant doctor and junior doctor strikes in September.
Consultant doctors will strike between 7am on 19 September and 7am on 21 September.
Junior doctors will strike between 7am on 20 September and 7am on 23 September.
For the first time in NHS history, Junior doctors and Consultants are also taking industrial action on the same day (20 September), so it is vital that the public continue to use services wisely.
On 19 September and 20 September, the BMA has stated that there will be a Christmas day level of service for Consultants’ industrial action. This means emergency departments will still be open and staffed with consultants, but disruption and longer waits should be expected.
NHS leaders are warning the impact of these strikes will be very challenging for local services. Hospital consultants are the NHS’s most senior clinicians, who’s roles cannot be covered by other staff.
That’s why, people are being urged to continue to support the NHS during the strike by using the right health service to meet their needs and help to ensure emergency care is available for those in most need.
General practice, community pharmacies, and dentistry are open, and the public should continue to access these services as needed on strike days.
For non-emergency health needs, you should access the alternative NHS services available to you:
· Use NHS 111 online https://111.nhs.uk/ or by phone for other urgent care needs or if you’re unsure about whether you should go to hospital. If you are contacting 111, please give as much information as you can, as that will help you get the right support and advice.
· General practice, community pharmacies, and dentistry are open, and the public should continue to access these services as needed on strike days.
· If your child is unwell, and you’re not sure where the best place to go for advice is, visit the NHS Frimley Healthier Together website or download the app. Designed by local experts, it provides support to parents and carers to help them manage a range of common childhood illnesses. https://frimley-healthiertogether.nhs.uk/ alternatively you can get advice from NHS 111 on the phone, and online.
· Minor Injury Unit at Brants Bridge, Bracknell, RG12 9RT is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm – no appointment needed you can walk in. You can search for your nearest minor injury unit or urgent care service here: Find Urgent Care services - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
· If you are feeling worried about your mental health there are number of services available, visit Mental Wellbeing | Frimley Health and Care.
If you are in a mental health crisis, call 111 or text Shout to 85258. Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope.
Patients are also reminded that if you haven’t been contacted or informed that your planned appointment has been postponed, please attend as normal.