Resident doctors will be on strike again from 7am on 17 December until 7am on 22 December.
NHS organisations have plans in place to ensure emergency care is prioritised, but local people are being asked to support by:
- Attending hospital and GP appointments unless they are told otherwise by your general practice or hospital.
- Helping friends and family be discharged from hospital by giving them a lift home, making sure they have essential shopping and important items like clothing and a key.
- Treating themselves at home for less serious conditions. You can find information about self-care on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms.
- Choosing the right NHS service for their needs, such as their local pharmacy, GP or urgent treatment centre.
- Visiting 111 online or phoning 111 if they need medical help now but are not sure what to do.
- Only attending A&E if it is a life-threatening emergency.
- Being kind to staff.
There are a range of NHS services available for different needs
Dr Dave Briggs, Executive Director of Outcomes (Medical) for the Cluster of Derby & Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Boards, said: “There are a range of NHS services available for different needs, such as pharmacies, urgent treatment centres and mental health crisis support. If you’re not sure which service is best, please visit NHS111 or phone 111 to be directed to the right place.
Please continue to use NHS services wisely
Rebecca Neno, Deputy Director for System Delivery at, NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, said:
“We have been planning for this industrial action in order to minimise disruption for our patients, their families and carers.
“Please continue to use NHS services wisely. Attend your hospital and GP appointments as planned unless you are asked not to. If your appointment has to be postponed, you will be contacted and your appointment rearranged.
“And don’t forget you can also use 111 online or call 111 for medical help, Pharmacy First and WaitLess. NHS 111 also provides mental health support which is available by calling 111 and selecting option 2.
“If it’s an emergency and/or life-threatening, you should call 999.
“Thank you once again for your understanding, please be kind to all NHS staff.”
Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is important that people who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases.