NHS England apologises to patients affected by junior doctors' four-day walkout
Date published: 10 April 2023
NHS England has apologised to patients affected by the junior doctors' four-day walkout this week
As junior doctors across England have begun a four-day strike walkout today (Tuesday) - action expected to be 'the most disruptive in NHS history' - NHS England say that 'necessary plans to maintain the safety and welfare of those in our care' have been made.
Junior doctor industrial action is taking place for 96 hours from 6.59am today Tuesday, April 11, to 6.59am on Saturday, April 15 – affecting all NHS hospitals and some GP services across Greater Manchester.
Nationally, more than a quarter of a million appointments and operations could be cancelled, and some hospitals say up to half of planned treatment is affected.
However, no individual hospital figures are being released by the Northern Care Alliance, which is responsible for the Royal Oldham.
An NHS England statement read: "We have made necessary plans to maintain the safety and welfare of those in our care during the industrial action.
"This means some non-urgent appointments have been postponed to maintain a safe service.
"We apologise to those patients affected.
"Any patient or service user whose appointment is affected by industrial action will be contacted directly.
"If you are not contacted, please attend your appointment.
"If you have a life-threatening emergency, please dial 999 or go to your nearest A & E."
The British Medical Association, which is asking for a 35% pay rise, has said "we've had no offer whatsoever" from Health Secretary Steve Barclay.
Mr Barclay said it was "extremely disappointing" patients were at risk.
Consultant and GP cover will be in place to maintain safe patient care during this time, along with the usual number of nurses and allied health professionals.
The NHS in Greater Manchester is asking the public to support NHS staff by using services wisely and attending appointments as planned unless they are contacted to rearrange.
For lots of minor illnesses and ailments the public can get advice and treatment from a local pharmacy, without the need for an appointment.
Those who need to be seen by a health professional face-to -face are being asked to go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111, who will help direct them to the most appropriate service for advice or treatment.
However, the public should still dial 999 as normal in a medical emergency, when someone is seriously injured, or their life is at risk.
NHS 111 Online can tell you where to get help for your symptoms and how to find general health information and advice.
More information about when to call 999 and when to go to A&E is available via the national NHS website.
Local NHS services will also keep their websites and social media accounts up to date with information about local service disruption – so please do check before you travel.
If your relative or friend is due to be discharged from hospital and needs to be collected, please do whatever you can to help bring them home as early as possible.
This will help our teams to free-up a hospital bed for someone waiting to be admitted.
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