THE NHS is set to see significant impact as junior doctors begin strike action today, Thursday, June 27.
The strikes are due to last for five days, ending on Tuesday, July 2, at 7am.
From 7am, junior doctors from the British Medical Association, who make up around half of the medical workforce, will stage the latest of a series of walkouts.
The British Medical Association is calling for a full pay restoration to reverse what it says is a steep decline in pay faced by junior doctors since 2008/9.
They also want to reform the system to avoid such a problem from occurring again.
During the strikes, priority will be given to emergency treatment, critical care, maternity and neonatal care, and trauma services, as other medical staff fill gaps elsewhere in the healthcare system.
Patients who have a scheduled appointment should attend as planned unless they hear from the NHS directly that the appointment has been changed.
Dr Nick Broughton, interim Chief Executive of the NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (BOB ICB), said: “Emergencies, critical care, maternity, trauma and neonatal care safe staffing will be our absolute priority.
“The NHS is working together across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West to ensure we are there for people when they need us.
“We’re grateful to all our colleagues working during this time to keep services running and patients safe and we urge the public to be kind and treat all staff with respect.”
Dr Rachael de Caux, Chief Medical Officer at BOB ICB, said: “Patients who need urgent medical care must continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
“We expect Emergency Departments to be very busy during strike action so it’s important people choose the most appropriate NHS Service for their needs, and only use 999 and A&E for serious or life threatening emergencies, such as chest pain, severe bleeding or breathing difficulties.
She explained: “GP practices are open as usual as are community pharmacies. NHS 111 online or by phone will help you get to the part of the NHS that can best respond to your needs.
“111 can direct you to minor injury units, urgent treatment centres and arrange for doctors or other clinicians to speak to you if you need help or more urgent attention.
“It may take longer during this period to be seen and treated so we ask you to please be patient.”
