Content originally from NHS Mid and South Essex
Junior doctors at major hospitals and GP practices in mid and south Essex are scheduled to strike for five days. They will walk out at 7am on Thursday 27 June until 7am on Tuesday 2 July.
Dr Matthew Sweeting, Medical Director for NHS Mid and South Essex, said: “Everyone across the NHS is working closely together to minimise disruption for our patients. Our focus is on making sure that those in the greatest need continue to have access to high quality care and support when they need it.
“To all our residents, we are asking that you help us by making sure you think carefully before deciding to attend an NHS service. NHS 111 online can help you make the best decision on which service can help you, saving you an unnecessary trip to hospital or GP practice. Your local pharmacy can also help support you with many common health concerns such as infected insect bites, sinusitis and sore throats.
“Of course, the NHS remains here to help you when you need it. If it’s serious, then please do get in touch. If you have a scheduled appointment, please attend as planned. We will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled.”
The NHS expects that urgent and emergency services will be under pressure and waiting times for care may be considerably longer than usual.
Additionally, some routine and pre-planned appointments may need to be postponed as the NHS prioritises those with more urgent needs. If you have an appointment scheduled during the strike action, please don’t call to check if your appointment is going ahead. You will be contacted directly if your appointment needs to be rearranged.
We have outlined below some actions you can take to help keep people save and make best use of NHS services.
Top tips for local residents
- The NHS website has lots of advice for minor symptoms.
- please make sure you think very carefully about what services you contact. If you need urgent health help, use NHS 111 online for healthcare advice.
- If you have a scheduled appointment with an NHS service and you have not been contacted, please attend your appointment as planned. The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.
- GP phone lines are likely to be busier than normal, so please be patient as practice staff try to help as many people as they can. If you have a computer or smartphone, you can use the NHS App or your GP practice’s e-consultation service.
- Your local pharmacist can provide some prescription medicines for certain conditions, if needed, without a GP appointment. conditions include earache (children 0-17), impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throat and urinary tract infections (UTIs) for women ages 16-64.
- Pick up basic essentials like paracetamol, ibuprofen, plasters, antiseptic cream, allergy medicine and indigestion remedies from pharmacies and supermarkets for less than the cost of a prescription.
- If you need to order prescription medication or repeat prescriptions, please allow 72 hours’ notice, to both the GP practice and the pharmacy.
- Visit the NHS website for a full list of services at your local pharmacy. To find your nearest pharmacy, use the ‘Find a Pharmacy’ tool.
- Adults experiencing a mental health crisis, can speak to a professional 24/7 by calling NHS 111 and selecting the option for mental health. For under 18s, call 0800 995 1000.
SWF Health & Social Care Group 