Patients in the Black Country are being reminded that the NHS will still be available for urgent and emergency care during the industrial action but are being asked to use services wisely.
Junior doctors are expected to go on strike for five days from 7am on Thursday 13 July to 7am Tuesday 18 July. Consultants will then strike for 48 hours from 7am on Thursday 20 July to 7am on Saturday 22 July.
All health and care partners in the Black Country are working together to prepare for the industrial action and are asking the public for their support.
Emergency care will be prioritised, and people are being reminded that 999 and emergency departments are still the right services if it is a life-saving emergency.
However, for anything that isn’t life-threatening, people are being urged to use 111 online as the first port of call for health needs. People can also call 111 for help, advice, and signposting to the most appropriate service.
Pharmacies, GP appointments, walk-in centres, minor injury units and urgent treatment centres will continue to be available during the industrial action and can help people with a range of injuries and illnesses.
People with hospital appointments should continue to come forward for the care they need and do not need to call to check if appointments are going ahead. If appointments do need to be rearranged due to strike action, patients will be contacted directly.
Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “During the upcoming industrial action, it is important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases.
“However, if it is non-life threatening, please think about which is the most appropriate service for your needs.
“If you need medical help or advice, you should contact NHS 111 in the first instance, and they will direct you to the most appropriate service for advice or treatment. This could include your local pharmacy, GP or a local NHS walk-in centre.
“We’d like to thank people for their patience and their ongoing support by using NHS services appropriately.”
Dr Mark Anderson, Chief Medical Officer at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, said: “The strike action planned for this week will bring substantial challenges to the local NHS, particularly hospital services.
“Patients who have a planned hospital operation, outpatient clinics or procedures should attend as usual unless they hear from their NHS Trust to advise otherwise.
“By ensuring you choose the most appropriate service, this will help NHS services to manage demand and ensure A&E departments can focus on treating people with serious and life-threatening conditions.
“We’d like to thank all NHS colleagues who are working tirelessly to keep services running over the industrial action.”
NHS 111 can help if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do. You can contact the service online 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Pharmacists can also offer expert advice on lots of common conditions such as coughs, colds, aches, and pains. To find your local pharmacy, visit the NHS website here.
People should only call 999 if it is a medical emergency.
