THE NHS in Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Buckinghamshire is preparing for industrial action from doctors this week and into next.
National strike action by resident doctors–previously known as junior doctors–is set to take place from 7am on Friday to Wednesday, November 14-19.
The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is among the affected trusts, which also includes Berkshire Healthcare, Buckinghamshire Healthcare, Oxford University Hospitals, and Oxford Health.
During these strikes, all other NHS staff (including consultants and other specialist doctors) will still be working, and the focus will be on ensuring as many services as possible continue to operate safely.
The NHS says it will be working closely with unions to discuss any patient safety concerns and ensure safe staffing for emergency care continues to be available.
While NHS Trusts say they will do their best to only cancel planned appointments and operations where it is necessary, there will be significant disruption to some services.
Patients with appointments booked on strike days will be contacted if their appointment has to be rescheduled due to industrial action.
If they have not been contacted, they should attend their appointment as planned.
Dr Ben Riley, Chief Medical Officer at the NHS BOB Integrated Care Board, said: “Regardless of any strike action taking place, it’s really important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and serious life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
“This round of action comes as the NHS is already managing the busy winter period, so we are asking patients to choose services appropriately this period take simple steps to help ensure care is available for people who need it most.
“This includes using NHS 111 online as the first port of call for health needs, and as ever only using 999 if it is a serious or life-threatening emergency.
“For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, see the NHS UK website.
“NHS staff will work hard during this very challenging time – we are asking everyone to treat them with respect–we appreciate people’s understanding and co-operation during this period.”
Strikes take place from 7am on Friday, November 14, until 7am on Wednesday, November 19.
