The NHS is reminding the public to continue coming forward for
care as normal over the last two days of strike action this
weekend.
This period of industrial action by resident doctors began at 7am
on Wednesday 17 November and will continue until 7am Monday 22
November.
Despite rising flu cases and other winter pressures, NHS teams
have been doing all they can to minimise disruption to patients
during the strike, and plans are in place to continue life-saving
care, while keeping as much routine care and scheduled operations
going as possible.
Latest figures show flu cases in hospital reached 3,140 by the
end of last week – the highest ever for this time of year and up
18% on the week before – but there are welcome signs that the
rise in hospital cases is slowing.
The NHS continues to offer free flu jabs in community pop-up
clinics, such as Christmas markets, shopping centres and sports
matches, in the lead up to Christmas and new year.
People who need emergency medical care should continue to use 999
or come forward to A&E as normal. For less urgent but serious
situations, the public should use 111 online as the first port of
call so that they can be directed to the best place for their
needs.
Patients should attend any planned appointments unless they have
been contacted to reschedule.
As ever, GP practices, pharmacies and urgent and emergency care
services continue to be available for those who need them.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England National Medical
Director, said: “Despite this being an extremely
difficult time for the NHS to be facing industrial action, staff
are yet again working tirelessly to keep care going, and the
public should be reassured that services remain up and running
this weekend.
“I want to thank all the staff who are going over and above to
cover for those who are striking and ensure that patients get the
care they need.
“If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 999, and
for anything else please use NHS 111 as your first port of call
so you can be directed to the best place, or visit your GP or
local pharmacy who remain open.
“And vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself from
getting sick with flu, so if you're eligible, please come forward
for a jab, it's not too late.”
