Five-day doctors’ strike: what services are still available?

Patients are being reminded of the services available ahead of a five-day strike by resident doctors – previously known as junior doctors.

All other NHS staff, including consultants and other specialist doctors will still be working during the strike, which will run from 7am on Friday to 7am on Wednesday, July 30.

The NHS will be working closely with unions to discuss any patient safety concerns and make sure that safe staffing for emergency care continues to be available.

General practice, community pharmacies and dentists are open, and people should continue accessing these services as needed.

Residents are being asked to choose services appropriately during the strike action and take simple steps to help make sure care is available to patients who need it the most.

People are encouraged to use an alternative NHS service and to use NHS 111 first either online or by telephone for anything that is not a life-saving emergency.

Pharmacists can offer expert clinical advice for minor health concerns and help with many common illnesses.

The pharmacy first service means patients can visit without a GP appointment for seven common conditions, including shingles, sore throat (five years and over), infected insect bites, earaches in children aged one to 17 and sinusitis (12 years and over).

St Mark’s Urgent Primary Care Centre provides same-day urgent care for both minor illnesses and minor injuries for patients registered at GP practices in Maidenhead.

Patients can be booked into this service through either their GP practice or NHS 111.

The Windsor Same Day service provides same-day minor illness care which can be booked via Windsor-based GP practices.

The service is located at King Edward VII Hospital and is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 5.30pm on Saturdays.

Residents are advised to visit the NHS Frimley Healthier Together website at: frimley-healthiertogerher.nhs.uk or download the app if their child is unwell.

The app has been designed by local experts and provides support to parents and carers to help them manage a range of common childhood illnesses.

A same day Minor Injury Unit at Brants Bridge in Bracknell is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm and no appointment is needed.

Patients can walk in to be treated for injuries such as sprains and strains, suspected broken limbs, minor burns, scalds and head injuries.

Anyone feeling worried about their mental health can find more information about the services available at: www.frimleyhealthandcare.org.uk/which-service-do-you-need/

Those experiencing a mental health crisis or requiring urgent mental health support can call 111 and select the mental health option or call Samaritans at 116 123 for free.

Dr Lalitha Iyer, chief medical officer for NHS Frimley ICB, said: “There are steps we can all take to make sure we use the most appropriate service for our needs and ensure that help can be prioritised to those who need it most.

“It’s very important that people who need medical care come forward, especially when someone has a life-threatening illness or injury.

“A range of services are available to ensure Accident and Emergency Departments (A&E) are freed up to treat those with life-threatening and critical illnesses or injuries. Care for life-threatening or serious illness/injury will be prioritised. We thank all patients and families for your understanding, support, and cooperation.”

To find out more about available services, visit: www.frimleyhealthandcare.org.uk/which-service-do-you-need/