Junior Doctor Industrial Action - Update

Junior doctors today (Monday 13 March) began strike action, led by the British Medical Association and will continue until 15 March.

It is expected that there will be disruption to NHS services during the three days, and we are asking the public for their support to help reduce the impact of this disruption to our patients.

We will be prioritising emergency care – 999 and our emergency departments are still the right services if it is a life-saving emergency.

However, for anything that isn’t a life-threatening illness or injury, please use 111 online as the first port of call for health needs. You can also call 111 for help, advice and signposting to the most appropriate service.

Some planned appointments and clinics have been rescheduled but please plan to attend your appointments unless you are contacted directly by us. You do not need to contact your NHS service or team in advance, we will let you know if an appointment needs to be rescheduled.

Pharmacies, walk-in centres, minor injury units and urgent treatment centres will also continue to be available across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

UHNM Medical Director, Dr Matthew Lewis said:

“Patient safety is our absolute priority and we are working together with our healthcare partners to ensure essential urgent and emergency care services are available so that patients can continue to access vital medical attention when they need it most.

“We are asking patients to help NHS staff during the three days and use services wisely. Only use our emergency departments and 999 for life-threatening illnesses or injuries to ensure care is available to patients who need it most. If it is not an emergency, use NHS 111 online as the first port of call for help, advice and support.

“We have put plans in place to limit the impact on some appointments and clinics but ask patients to continue to attend planned appointments unless you hear directly from us to make new arrangements.

“We thank the public for their support and we are also incredibly grateful to all of our staff for their hard work and dedication.”