The NHS in Lincolnshire will again face significant pressure this week due to further industrial action by junior doctors, which is taking place from 7am on Saturday 24 February to 11.59pm on Wednesday 28 February.
Our key message to people is the NHS is still here for you and you should continue to come forward for NHS care, but please use NHS services wisely – if you need medical help use 111 online, telephone 111 or via the NHSApp. If it’s an emergency and/or life threatening you should call 999.
It is possible that some appointments may have to be cancelled, however, you should attend your appointment as planned (including hospital and GP) unless you are directly contacted and asked not to. If your appointment has to be cancelled, you will be notified, and it will be rearranged.
Mental health support is available during this time via the local 24/7 mental health helplines on 0800 001 4331, or 0800 234 6342 for children, young people and their families.
Clair Raybould, Director for System Delivery, NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, said:
“We are entering another round of industrial action across the NHS and our staff continue to work hard to provide patients with the best possible care under the circumstances and to protect our most urgent services.
“People in Lincolnshire can help the NHS by taking simple steps during the industrial action to look after yourself, loved ones and checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.
Local community pharmacies are open and able to offer advice and help, as well as treatment for seven common conditions such as a sore throat or earache, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.
In Lincolnshire we also have the WaitLess App, which can be downloaded and enables you to view live waiting times, queue numbers and travel time information for our urgent care facilities in the county.”
People in the county are also being urged to be aware of diarrhoea and sickness this winter, particularly those who are vulnerable and/or who have long-term health conditions. Whilst most people make a full recovery within one or two days from norovirus, this isn’t the case for everyone and for patients already ill in hospital or those with long-term conditions the virus can cause further health complications.
Our staff are working in very difficult situations that are beyond their control. They want to keep you safe and provide the best possible care. Please treat them with the same respect you and your family would expect to receive.