Well-prepared contingency plans have been put in place by the Isle of Wight NHS Trust to ensure minimum disruption during the next planned industrial action by Junior Doctors. Junior doctors will only be providing emergency care for a period of 48 hours, from 08:00 this morning (Wednesday) and 08:00 on Friday (8th April).
Patients who have existing appointments or scheduled operations during this period should attend as normal, unless they are contacted by a member of Trust staff to rearrange their treatment.
The Trust is reassuring residents that emergency care will not be affected by the industrial action, and it is hoped that there will be minimal impact across all other aspects of their service.
With the support of staff they are hoping that no planned (elective) operations will need be rescheduled due to the industrial action. However the Trust had to reschedule a handful of operations yesterday and today due to the current system pressures. Patients are contacted individually if it becomes necessary for their operation to be rescheduled and the Trust endeavor to get them back onto an operating list as quickly as possible.
All clinics will also run as normal during the industrial action between 6th and 8th April, although some may have a reduced number of patients. This is to ensure that there is enough flexibility in the system so that staff can cover any emergency cases.
All other patients should attend their appointments as scheduled, unless they have been informed otherwise by a member of Trust staff.
A Trust spokesman said:
“We have tried and tested plans in place to deal with a range of disruptions, including industrial action. Our highest priority is to ensure the safety of our patients, regardless of industrial action, and robust plans are now in place to enable services to run as smoothly as possible. We will continue to regularly monitor the situation and liaise with our junior doctors,” he added.
Article continues below this advertisement
The British Medical Association have announced that on 26th and 27th April 2016 there will be a full withdrawal of labour by Junior doctors between the hours of 08:00 and 17:00 on Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 April (18 hours in total). The Trust is putting plans in place for this period and it is more likely that it will be necessary to reschedule operations and clinics during this period than has been the case for the periods when emergency cover was provided by the Junior Doctors. As with previous periods of industrial actions patients will be notified on an individual basis if their scheduled treatment is affected.
Despite being well prepared for the forthcoming industrial action, Island residents can also help to reduce the pressure on the NHS by following this advice:
• People should protect themselves by planning ahead and finding out in advance what to do if they need medical help, particularly those in vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, children and people with long-term conditions. Helpful advice can be found at www.nhs.uk.
• Patients on regular medication should always ensure that they have sufficient supplies and collect medicines in good time.
• If you need medical help or advice, choose the right service for your needs – NHS 111 and the NHS Choices website (www.nhs.uk) provide information on the range of healthcare services available.
• Call NHS 111 if you urgently need medical help or advice but it’s not a life-threatening situation.
• Your local pharmacist can give you advice on many common minor illnesses.
• Make an appointment with your GP if you are feeling unwell and it is not an emergency.
• Only call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
• Visit www.nhs.uk/staywell for useful information and advice on how to look after yourself and others during periods of cold and adverse weather. If your eligible for a free flu vaccination and haven’t already availed yourself of this then please make an appointment with your GP or Pharmacy. Protect yourself and protect others!
