The upcoming festive season is poised to be particularly demanding for the NHS, as two periods of industrial action are scheduled to unfold around the Christmas and New Year break.
To navigate this challenging time and support the dedicated frontline teams, local residents are urged to visit hospitals only in the case of genuine, life-threatening emergencies.
The first phase of industrial action involves junior doctors across all three major hospitals in the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire region walking out for three days, starting from 7 am on Wednesday, 20th December, and concluding at 7 am on Saturday, 23rd December.
This will be followed by an extended strike, commencing at 7 am on Wednesday, 3rd January, and continuing until 7 am on Tuesday, 9th January.
Throughout these periods, urgent and emergency services are expected to face significant strain, leading to potentially longer wait times for care. Many routine and pre-planned appointments are likely to be postponed, and affected patients will be contacted directly.
Dr Jon Westbrook, Chief Medical Officer at Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, expressed the anticipation of a busy Christmas period compounded by industrial action. “We are expecting the Christmas period to be very busy, during a time when our services will be impacted by industrial action.
“That’s why we are asking local people to help us by choosing the right place for their care needs before coming to hospital.
“Over Christmas, we will need to prioritise those in a more serious or life-threatening condition, which is why we’re asking people to only dial 999 in an emergency and use NHS 111 for non-life-threatening care, as well as local pharmacies and GPs.
“Anyone with an appointment should continue to attend as planned, unless contacted directly.”
NHS 111 will operate 24/7 during the Christmas and New Year period, offering both telephone and online services for rapid medical guidance on treating minor illnesses and finding appropriate further care.
While most pharmacies will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day, a select few will remain open to cater to emergency prescription needs, offer urgent advice on medicine, or provide confidential consultations for minor health concerns. Check the opening times of all region pharmacies, including those open on bank holidays, using the Find a Pharmacy tool at www.nhs.uk.
For the latest updates on health and care services in the region, visit www.bsw.icb.nhs.uk.
