NHS PARTNERS and trusts across Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Buckinghamshire are preparing for further industrial action by senior doctors later this week.
Consultant doctors at all hospitals across the region are taking industrial action from 7am on Thursday, August 24, until 7am on Saturday, August 26.
People are being encouraged to help alleviate pressure and support the NHS by making sure they’re using the right services, which helps ensure emergency services are free for those who need them most.
Emergency departments, including the one at The Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, are expected to see delays for those who do not have life-threatening conditions during this period.
Planned appointments and clinics are likely to see disruption, though patients should continue to attend any appointments unless expressly and directly contacted by the NHS.
Patients will be contacted if their appointments have been rescheduled.
The public is reminded to take a number of steps to help alleviate pressure on medical services:
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Choose the most appropriate NHS service for your needs and only use 999 and A&E or Emergency Departments for serious or life-threatening emergencies.
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For anything that isn’t a life-saving emergency, use NHS 111 first either online or by phone.
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Access GP services, pharmacies, Minor Injury Units and Urgent Care Centres as usual
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Know it may take longer than expected to be seen and treated
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Order your repeat prescription in time for the Bank Holiday weekend.
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Collect family and friends from hospital as soon as they are ready to be discharged.
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Stay away from hospitals if you are showing symptoms of flu or COVID-19 (or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19), unless it is an emergency.
Dr Nick Broughton, interim chief executive for the NHS in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West, said: “Emergencies, critical care, maternity, trauma and neonatal care safe staffing will be our absolute priority, but it will involve the NHS working together across our area to ensure we are there for people at their moment of need.
“We are grateful to all our colleagues working during this time to keep services running and patients safe.
“We really appreciate the public’s understanding and co-operation during this challenging period, and we thank them for choosing services appropriately– it does make a difference.”
He continued: “We’re also asking people that all front line and back-office NHS colleagues working during the industrial action– whether in hospitals, community teams, GP services and pharmacies– are treated with respect and kindness.”
Dr Rachael de Caux, chief medical officer at the Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board, said: “It’s important that people who need emergency and urgent medical care continue to come forward to our hospital Emergency Departments via 999.
“But if they come to ED for other conditions which are not life-threatening they are likely to have a long wait to be seen.”
She explained: “If you aren’t sure about the service you need, please use 111 online or by phone in the first instance for the best advice.
“You can also find more information about all local health services at our BOB Staywell website.”
More information is available via: staywell-bob.nhs.uk
