South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust is expecting a busy and challenging fortnight following the start of the latest period of industrial action today.
It is working to ensure disruption to planned care is kept as minimal as possible, but has warned patients may face long waits if they are arrive at hospital for something which is not urgent or life-threatening.
The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced junior doctors will take part in five days of industrial action from 7am today (Thursday July 13) until 7am on Tuesday July 18.
This will be followed by two days of action by BMA’s consultant members and hospital dentists. This will run from 7am on Thursday July 20 until 7am on Saturday July 22.
Hospital leaders in South Tyneside and Sunderland have urged people to only seek the help of its Emergency Departments if in a life-threatening situation during the action.
It warns that delays are also likely to continue in the days afterwards, when attendance is likely to rise.
Across the region, then NHS has plans in place to ensure emergency and urgent care services are prioritised and remain open during this time. Anyone in need of medical advice can use the around-the-clock 111 online service or call 111 by phone.
The Trust is also advising people to prepare for the fortnight ahead by making sure they have enough of their prescription medication to hand to see them beyond both strikes.
With the weather remaining warm, it is also asking people to be safe in the sun and avoid any unnecessary trips to hospital.
People are asked to keep their appointments unless they hear otherwise.
Dr Shaz Wahid, the Trust’s Executive Director, (pictured) said: “These strikes will be the longest we have faced so far during this industrial action. We do have plans in place and there will be safe levels of care for people in any emergency situations, but we know this will be a challenging time for us and we need the public’s help to ensure those most in need of urgent treatment can get it.
“Unfortunately there will be some disruption to our planned services and we will need to re-arrange some appointments. We will be in touch directly with any patients affected by the industrial action and our key message is that you should attend your appointment with us unless you hear from us.
“We would also like to remind people that GP surgeries will remain open and pharmacists are an excellent place to seek help, advice and treatment. The 111 online and phone service are available around the clock and can help direct people onto further care if they need to be seen.”
A self-care advice is also available online from the NHS at www.nhs.uk and anyone needing urgent mental health support should continue to seek it via their local Crisis Team.
People can put their postcode into this website to find their local crisis line: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-urgent-mental-health-helpline
