Black Country NHS bosses urge residents to 'think carefully' about which services they use during doctors' strikes
People across the West Midlands are being encouraged to 'think carefully' about which NHS service they use during this week's five-day strikes by resident doctors.
Resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, are planning to strike from 7am on Wednesday (December 17) until 7am on Monday (December 22).
The British Medical Association said 83 per cent of its members had voted to continue with the walkout in an online poll over the weekend, despite a new offer from the Government.
During these strikes all other NHS staff, including consultants and other specialist doctors, will still be working, and the NHS says their focus will be on ensuring as many services as possible continue to operate safely.
Health and care partners across the Black Country and Birmingham are working to prepare for the industrial action and are asking residents to support the health service by choosing the right service for their needs.
Sally Roberts, chief quality officer and chief nursing officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) and NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, said: “During the period of industrial action, our priority remains providing safe care to those who need it. We ask the public to use NHS services responsibly so that care is available for patients with the greatest need.
“If you require medical help or advice, please visit NHS 111 online as your first point of contact. They can guide you to the most appropriate service, which may include a local pharmacy, GP practice, or walk-in centre. Please remember that 999 and A&E should be reserved for life-threatening emergencies.”
Patients with hospital appointments should attend as planned unless contacted directly by the NHS to reschedule. There is no need to call to check if your appointment is going ahead.
Anyone who needs urgent care should use NHS 111 online or call NHS 111 to be assessed and directed to the right service. In life-threatening emergencies, call 999 or go to A&E as normal.
Services such as pharmacies, GP practices, walk-in centres, minor injury units, and urgent treatment centres will remain open during the industrial action and can support people with a wide range of health concerns.
GP practices will continue to be open as normal during the industrial action, so you can continue to attend your GP and dental appointments unless you are contacted and told otherwise.
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 at 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Local pharmacy services and opening times in Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull can be found on the NHS website. People should only call 999 if it is a medical emergency.
