Important update on industrial action
Northumbria Healthcare is urging people to only use A&E for life threatening emergencies during a strike by resident (junior) doctors starting tomorrow (Friday July 25).
The Trust has issued the following advice:
From 7am on Friday July 25 to 7am on Wednesday July 30, some resident doctors (formerly known as junior doctors) working at Northumbria Healthcare are taking part in the BMA’s national industrial action over NHS pay and conditions.
This is as part of a national dispute between trade unions and the Government. It is beyond the control of our trust.
Disruption expected
Patient safety is our primary concern. We are working extremely hard to prioritise emergency and urgent treatment. However, if you come to our A&E department and urgent treatment centres, you should expect disruption, including longer waits.
We will make every effort to maintain the safety and welfare of patients in our care. We will prioritise people coming for care based on medical need.
Our Urgent Treatment Centres at Wansbeck, North Tyneside, Hexham, Alnwick and Berwick will stay open. Information on these services and when to use them is available here.
The emergency department at the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Cramlington will be open. Please keep A&E for life-threatening emergencies only.
Impact on planned care
We may need to rearrange some planned operations or procedures and outpatient appointments. If this affects you, we will contact you in advance. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. We know this will be disappointing if this happens to you.
If you have not heard from us, you should come into hospital for your procedure or appointment as planned.
Help us to help you
Please use all services wisely.
If you don’t need urgent care, please consider options such a pharmacist or your GP.
Visit 111.nhs.uk for advice. It can direct you to the most appropriate service for your need.
Visit Health A to Z – NHS (www.nhs.uk) for information on different conditions and how to manage them.
Dr Neil O’Brien, chief medical officer for the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, (pictured) said:
“People can expect long delays and more disruption to NHS services during this latest period of industrial action. It is even more challenging to plan for this strike action due to staff summer holiday leave, meaning there are fewer staff available to help cover essential services.
“Emergency and urgent care services will be prioritised during this time, so we really need the public’s help to only call 999 and attend emergency departments if it is a genuine life-threatening injury or illness, as our emergency departments and Urgent Treatment Centres were extremely busy last time.
“For urgent health needs that are not life threatening, please use 111 online or by phone.
“GP practices and local pharmacies will still be open as usual during the industrial action to help with advice and treatments.”
The NHS is also reminding the public to keep their appointments unless they hear otherwise.
Dr O’Brien added: “People will be contacted directly if there are any changes to their planned appointment or surgery, and there is no need to contact the NHS about this.”
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