West Mid Trust Issues Advice Ahead of Junior Doctors' Strike
How to get the care you need during four days of industrial action
The entrance to the West Mid Hospital. Picture: CW+ Charity
April 6, 2023
From 7am on Tuesday 11 April until 7am on Saturday 15 April, many junior doctors at West Middlesex University Hospital will be taking part in national strike action.
The trust that runs the hospital is warning that Accident and Emergency departments will be very busy, so it is important to know where to get medical help during this time.
Junior doctors make up almost half of all NHS doctors, and they play a vital role in providing care for patients. During the four-day strike, staff at the West Mid will be aiming to keep disruption to a minimum, prioritising the treatment of patients who need urgent and emergency care.
The trust says that this will be helped if the public follows its guidelines.
So, if you need help but it’s not an emergency, use other NHS services that can help get you the care you need:
• NHS 111: Fully trained advisors are available 24/7 to help if you need medical advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital. You can contact NHS 111 online, or by calling 111.
• Your GP: The majority of practices in the area will remain open during the strike, but many will be busier than usual. Do continue to attend your GP and dental appointments unless you have been contacted and told otherwise.
• Your pharmacy: For minor health concerns, your local pharmacist may be able to provide advice or medication.
It is important that patients who do need urgent medical care still come forward to A&E or by calling 999, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases.
Non-urgent tests and hospital appointments may be changed or rearranged so that the West Mid can provide urgent and emergency care. If you have not been contacted, attend your appointment as planned.
The trust says, “By doing what you can to look after yourselves and others, checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours and using NHS services wisely, you can help us make sure that the doctors who are on duty can provide care to patients who need it most.”
Dr Roger Chinn, Chief Medical Officer, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said, “We have made good plans to help us provide safe care for patients when they urgently need it, but we need your help to do this.
“Please use A&E wisely during the strikes. By contacting NHS 111 online or by phone, you will be directed to a local service that’s right for you.
“Our hospitals will be open to look after people in an emergency, so please continue come forward for urgent care if you need it. Thank you for your support."
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