The British Medical Association (BMA) strike action involving resident doctors, due to begin at 7am on Friday 25 July, is expected to have an impact on services across Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The timing of the strike action, coinciding with the start of the school summer holidays means that clinician cover – which helped reduce the effects of previous industrial action – is more limited than usual.
Considerable planning has been underway to ensure we maintain safe levels of care for our patients; however, the public is asked to help by:
- Contacting NHS 111 for medical assistance so that they can be signposted to the best place, and 999 in an emergency.
- Collecting friends or relatives who are ready to be discharged as quickly as possible to ensure there are beds available for patients requiring hospital admission.
- Being patient and kind to our staff who are working hard, particularly if waiting times are long.
- Attending appointments as planned, unless contacted to say otherwise.
Ruth Williamson, Hampshire Hospitals’ chief medical officer says: “Managing the impacts of industrial action is never easy, but the timing of this particular strike action during a peak period of annual leave has presented a considerable challenge."
“We are focussed on ensuring that as many services as possible are operating safely so that we support the patients who need us most. People with less urgent medical need are advised that they may experience longer waits."
“The public’s support during these five days is greatly appreciated. Please contact NHS 111 so that you can attend the best place to meet your healthcare needs so that our emergency departments can focus on those who are seriously unwell or injured."
If you have a family member or loved one in hospital who is ready to go home it helps us if you can collect them as soon as possible.
The BMA strike action is expected to end at 7am on Wednesday 30 July, although it may take some time for our services to fully return to normal.
