NHS Frimley warns of disruption as consultant and junior doctor strikes begin

NHS Frimley has warned of disruption to services as junior doctors and consultants join strike action this week.

Tomorrow (September 20) they will strike on the same day, for the first time, and NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust said it is vital the public continues to use services wisely.

Consultant doctors began strike action this morning at 7am (September 19) and will end on September 21 at 7am.

Junior doctors will strike between 7am on September 20 to 7am on September 23.

The BMA (British Medical Association) said there will be a Christmas day level of service on September 19 and 20 which means emergency departments will be open and staffed with consultants, but disruption and longer waits should be expected.

NHS leaders have warned of the 'very challenging' impact of strikes on services as hospital consultants are the NHS’s most senior clinicians, whose roles cannot be covered by other staff.

Dr Gareth Roberts, Chief of Service for Medicine for Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are now entering the ninth month of industrial action across the NHS and staff continue to work hard to provide patients with the best possible care under the circumstances.

“First and foremost, we aim to keep people safe during the planned strikes. Hospital services will be particularly affected, and we will redirect available resources to protect emergency treatment, intensive care, new-born care, maternity, and trauma.

“In outpatients and theatres, we will continue to prioritise cancer treatments, and those patients who have waited the longest for elective procedures.”

Routine appointments may be rescheduled but if individuals have not been contacted by the Trust, they should attend appointments as planned and check for updates.

General practice, community pharmacies, and dentistry are open as usual.

Dr Lalitha Iyer, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Frimley ICB, said: “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.

“If you are unsure of what service to choose, visit NHS 111 online https://111.nhs.uk . It includes a symptom checker and can connect you to a nurse, emergency dentist, pharmacist, or book you into the local Minor Injuries Unit in Bracknell or A&E department if your condition is more serious.

“As well as being booked in via NHS 111 to the Minor Injury Unit you can also walk in for things such as sprains and strains, suspected broken limbs, minor head injuries and minor scalds and burns. The service is open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm. X ray is available Sundays to Fridays.

“If your child is unwell, and you’re not sure where the best place to go for advice is, visit the NHS Frimley Healthier Together website or download the app. Designed by local experts, it provides support to parents and carers to help them manage a range of common childhood illnesses. Visit: https://frimley-healthiertogether.nhs.uk/.”

Further coordinated junior doctor and consultants industrial action is planned for early October across three days (October 2 to 4), as well as action by the Society of Radiographers.

The recommended advice is to only use 999 and A&E or Emergency Departments for serious or life-threatening emergencies, to collect family and friends from hospital as soon as they are ready to be discharged and to stay away from hospitals if showing the symptoms of flu or COVID-19 (or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19) unless it is an emergency.