A significant disruption to NHS services in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire is expected as junior doctors and hospital consultants embark on an unprecedented period of prolonged industrial action.
Starting on Thursday, July 13th, junior doctors at the Great Western Hospital, and other hospitals in the region, will walk out for five days. This strike is scheduled to conclude on Tuesday, July 18th, just two days before consultants at the hospitals commence a 48-hour period of industrial action, during which they will provide cover similar to that of Christmas Day.
The strikes will put tremendous pressure on hospital services, leading to the postponement of planned appointments and procedures, as well as longer waiting times for urgent and emergency care. It is essential for individuals to use local services appropriately and only visit hospitals or call 999 for the most severe health conditions, such as broken bones, loss of consciousness, significant bleeding, and severe chest pain.
Dr. Amanda Webb, Chief Medical Officer at Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, expressed concern about the upcoming strikes, stating, “Any period of industrial action within the NHS is a real cause for concern, but to have two almost back-to-back is something we have yet to experience.
“Our hard-working teams pulled out all the stops during previous strikes to keep services running, and they will be doing the same again over the coming days, but given the unprecedented nature of the situation this time around, public support is now even more crucial.”
She also reassured the public that pharmacies, GP practices, and NHS 111 will operate as usual during the strikes, although they may be busier than usual. These services will provide care for minor illnesses, injuries, and non-urgent health conditions.
Patients with pre-planned appointments or procedures scheduled on strike days will be contacted directly if their visit needs to be postponed. Alternative appointments will be offered at the earliest opportunity, and those who have not been contacted should attend as scheduled. Booking staff are working diligently to reach all affected patients promptly, and it is requested that individuals refrain from calling ahead to check if their appointment is proceeding.
For instant person-specific advice and information, NHS 111 online is available at any time on tablets, laptops, or smartphones. The platform can recommend treatment options and, where appropriate, make referrals to nearby NHS services.
For further details about local health and care services, including those that do not require appointments, please visit www.bswtogether.org.uk/yourhealth.
