As Executive Medical Director working across mid and south Essex, I wanted to provide you with an update on the forthcoming industrial action by resident doctors and, importantly, to reassure you about the plans in place locally to minimise disruption to patient care.
The British Medical Association has confirmed that resident doctors will be taking strike action from 7am on Wednesday 17 December until 7am on Sunday 22 December. During this period, local NHS services will be under more pressure than usual, and we are grateful for the ongoing support of our partners and communities.
Please be assured that significant planning has taken place across mid and south Essex to help maintain safe services. During the strike period, consultants, senior doctors and other NHS staff will continue to work, and our priority will remain focused on urgent and emergency care, as well as patients who need treatment the most.
It is very important that people continue to seek help when they need it. Anyone who is seriously unwell, injured, or whose life is at risk should come forward for care as normal, including attending emergency departments or calling 999 when appropriate.
We do expect some disruption to routine and non-urgent appointments during the strike action, and we are sorry if this means some care needs to be postponed. Our teams will always try to minimise disruption and will only reschedule appointments where it is necessary to keep patients safe. However, patients should attend their appointment as planned unless they are contacted directly by the NHS to rearrange it.
GP practices will remain open during the strike action. Some GP trainees will also be taking part in the industrial action, so we ask for patience and understanding as practices manage increased demand and prioritise care for those who need it most.
A dedicated webpage is available with up-to-date information, advice and FAQs to support patients and communities during the strike period.
| Thank you again for your continued support, patience and understanding. We recognise this is a difficult time for many people, and we are grateful to the public and our partners as we work together to protect patient care across mid and south Essex. |
| Dr Matthew Sweeting |
| Executive Medical Director NHS Mid and South Essex |
SWF Health & Social Care Group 