As the strike by junior doctors gets underway, the NHS in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire is encouraging people to continue seeking urgent and emergency care, as well as attending planned appointments, unless advised otherwise.
From 7am this morning, until 7am on Saturday, June 17th, junior doctors at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon, the Royal United Hospital in Bath and Salisbury District Hospital will be on strike.
While the strike is expected to cause significant disruption to normal services, leading doctors in the region emphasise that individuals who experience serious illness or injury should not delay seeking assistance.
Dr. Amanda Webb, Chief Medical Officer of the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, reassures the public that the local NHS will remain accessible during this period of industrial action.
Dr. Webb stated, “Our teams will be very busy, and waiting times may be longer than usual, but anybody in need of urgent or emergency care must still come forward. We have established plans in place to ensure that those in most urgent need can still access care, as we understand the consequences of delaying treatment leading to poorer outcomes.”
Patients who have routine appointments or procedures scheduled for June 14th, 15th, or 16th are advised to attend as planned unless informed otherwise. Those affected by the strike will be contacted and offered alternative dates for their hospital visits.
Dr. Steven Haig, Deputy Chief Medical Officer of the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, acknowledges that services will be stretched during this time, potentially resulting in longer waiting times. He urges individuals to visit the hospital only if necessary and consider alternative healthcare options available from local GPs, pharmacies, and other health services.
Throughout the strike, GP practices, pharmacies, and digital-based healthcare services will remain open. People with minor injuries or illnesses are encouraged to utilize these resources. NHS 111 online, accessible at www.111.nhs.uk, provides personalised advice and real-time guidance, suggesting suitable treatment options and, when appropriate, referring individuals to local healthcare services.
Local community pharmacies also offer convenient access to quick healthcare solutions. Pharmacists can provide advice on over-the-counter medicines and offer guidance on managing mild symptoms at home. Private consultations can be arranged in dedicated clinic rooms, enabling patients with non-urgent conditions to receive assessments and diagnoses without the need to contact a GP or visit a hospital.
For more information about local health and care services, including the nearest community pharmacy, visit www.bswtogether.org.uk/yourhealth. The NHS emphasizes the importance of seeking necessary care and reassures the public that plans are in place to mitigate the impact of the strike on urgent healthcare needs.
