Plans are being put in place to ensure minimal impact on patient care, in the event that industrial action by junior doctors goes ahead next week.
The Isle of Wight NHS Trust is putting in place robust contingency plans, despite ongoing conciliatory talks between the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Department of Health aimed at preventing strike action.
The action is planned for:
· Tuesday 12th January: Emergency care only between 08:00 and 08:00 on Wednesday (24 hours)
· Tuesday 26th January: Emergency care only between 08:00 and 08:00 on Thursday (48 hours)
· Wednesday 10th February: Full withdrawal of labour between 08:00 and 17:00
The Trust would like to reassure 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.
A spokesperson said:
“With the support of our staff we are hoping that no planned (elective) operations will need be rescheduled but patients will be contacted individually if it becomes necessary. All clinics will also still run as normal, 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”.
Dr Mark Pugh, the Trust’s Executive Medical Director, 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”.
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
• Patients on regular medication should 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 NHS Choices website 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
