Plea to only use A&E in an emergency during junior doctor strikes
People are being urged to support their local hospitals and to help keep patients safe by only coming to A&E departments if they need life-saving care during the junior doctors’ strike.
With four days of industrial action - from 7am on Tuesday 11 April until 7am on Saturday 15 April - the latest set of junior doctor strikes are set to be a really challenging period for staff in hospitals and patients needing emergency care.
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Basildon, Broomfield and Southend hospitals, has issued a plea to members of the public to only use their A&E departments on strike days if they really need to.
Chief Medical Officer David Walker said: “The junior doctors’ strike will have a significant impact on the level of care we can safely provide to patients.
“We would urge people to only come to A&E if they know they need life-saving care. Medical staffing will be limited, and we will be focusing on protecting emergency care.
“If people do need emergency treatment, they should absolutely come in as normal. We will be here for you. If you don’t need acute care then you may be putting the safety of those who do at risk.
“We really do appreciate your support in helping us to keep our patients safe during this very challenging time.”
ENDS
Background
Typical emergencies where you should still call 999 or attend A&E include cardiac arrest, loss of consciousness, fits that are not stopping, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, allergic reactions, broken bones and serious head injuries.
Please contact NHS 111 or your pharmacy for non-life-threatening conditions.
Unfortunately, there are likely to be delays to care and some appointments will have to be rescheduled.