Industrial action at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust by junior doctors
People in Buckinghamshire are being urged to choose services appropriately during the upcoming period of industrial action, which will cause disruption at our hospitals.
Junior doctors are due to take further strike action from 7am on Thursday 27 June until 7am on Tuesday 2 July 2024.
Our number one priority is to continue to ensure the safety of our patients as well as looking after the welfare and wellbeing of our colleagues. This will mean significant changes to the services that we are able to provide during and potentially after the strike.
We are seeking to keep as many services, in our hospitals, in our community sites and in people’s homes, operating as possible, including all emergency and essential services. To deliver this will mean that we will have to postpone a number of planned outpatient appointments and elective procedures. Some appointments before and after the days of the industrial action will also be affected. All patients impacted by this will be contacted directly and rescheduled as soon as we can.
If you have not heard from us by the day of your appointment, please come to your procedure or appointment as planned.
In the meantime, people can help by using 111 online or calling 111 to get the best service for their needs, ensuring prescriptions are up to date and looking out for vulnerable family and friends.
Dr Rachael de Caux, Chief Medical Officer at BOB ICB, said: “Patients who need urgent medical care must continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
“We expect Emergency Departments (ED) to be very busy during strike action so it’s important people choose the most appropriate NHS Service for their needs, and only use 999 and ED for serious or life threatening emergencies, such as chest pain, severe bleeding or breathing difficulties.
“GP practices are open as usual as are community pharmacies. NHS 111 online or by phone will help you get to the part of the NHS that can best respond to your needs. 111 can direct you to minor injury units, urgent treatment centres and arrange for doctors or other clinicians to speak to you if you need help or more urgent attention. It may take longer during this period to be seen and treated so we ask you to please be patient.”
Please remember:
- Continue to access GPs as normal
- Go to NHS 111 online or call to get the right service for your needs
- Think Pharmacy First for 7 common conditions including earache, sore throat and urinary tract infections, and make sure your repeat prescriptions are up to date
- Stay safe and look out for vulnerable family and friends
- Keep appointments unless you are contacted by the NHS with alternative arrangements
- Remember the Emergency Department (A&E) is for emergencies and life-threatening situations.