NHS TRUSTS in the South East are urging residents to use services appropriately as healthcare resources are facing challenges from strikes and a continuing flu spike.
Thousands of resident doctors will begin strike action from 7am today (Wednesday, December 17) until 7am on Monday, December11.
It follows a consultation by the British Medical Association of its members, oh whom more than four in five voted to continue with the strikes, and is hot on the heels of a six-day walk-out in November.
BMA members argue that despite recent rises in pay, there is still a shortfall compared to 2008 with inflation taken into account.
The action comes at a time when hospitals are already under intense pressure, with rising flu cases and winter demand stretching services.
This year’s flu season has seen cases spiking around a month before they usually do, and a third of acute trusts across the South East have reintroduced mask wearing in hospitals to help curb infections.
Dr Christopher Tibbs, Medical Director for NHS South East, said: “We are all too aware that industrial action comes at a real cost to both NHS staff and patients, with this latest round coming at an incredibly challenging time for the health service as we grapple with rising flu cases and winter pressures.
“Hospitals and General Practice across the region will do everything they can to minimise disruption to services during this time and ensure as much planned care as possible continues for patients.
“We know that this is a very challenging time for all those working in the health service and we are incredibly grateful to all the NHS staff, including those resident doctors who are not taking strike action, for working extra hours to maintain services for patients.
“The NHS is still here for you but please use it wisely–an an emergency always call 999 but for non-urgent needs use NHS 111 online, speak to your pharmacist or contact your GP.”
Patients are reminded to use NHS 111 online for urgent but non-life-threatening issues, to call 999 or attend emergency departments only in emergencies and to attend scheduled appointments as normal unless contacted otherwise.
