West Midlands health bosses move to reassure patients as doctors go on strike but 'ask the public to use NHS services responsibly'
Hospital leaders across the West Midlands have been issuing messages to patients to reassure them of contingency strategies and plans to keep essential services running as five days of strike action begins.
Resident doctors at hospitals including New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton, Walsall Manor Hospital, Birmingham Queen Elizabeth Hospital and County Hospital in Stafford walked out on Wednesday morning (December 17) after 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.
The walkout will run from 7am Wednesday to 7am on Monday, December 22 and comes after the union agreed to the snap poll last week, after the Government came forward with a fresh deal which included increasing speciality training posts and covering out-of-pocket expenses like exam fees.
Hospital trusts across the region have been issuing messages to warn those requiring services of potential delays, but also that the hospital trusts would do whatever they could to ensure patient safety.
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.”
Dr Di Adamson, University Hospitals of North Midlands chief medical officer, said: "We understand that industrial action can be concerning for patients.
"Our priority remains patient safety, and we are working hard to ensure essential services continue to operate safely.
"We ask patients to seek care when it is urgent and to help us ensure our teams can focus on those who need life-saving treatment the most.
"I would encourage the public to look after themselves, loved ones and check in on vulnerable family members and neighbours during this period and thank you to patients and the public for their understanding and continued support during this period.”
Diane Wake, group chief executive at Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust and The Dudley Group NHS Trust said: “We have well-established plans in place to ensure we continue to provide safe emergency care and prioritise urgent and essential services throughout the strike period.
“In a small number of cases, some planned appointments and clinics may be rescheduled. Where this is necessary, patients will be contacted directly and offered a new appointment as soon as possible.
“If patients have not been contacted, they should attend their appointment as planned.”
