People across Derbyshire being urged to use NHS wisely during industrial action
Emergency services will continue - but any patients with an appointment affected will have been contacted
People across Derbyshire are being urged to use NHS services wisely during industrial action.
On the 21st and 22nd of September junior doctors are striking, and on October 2nd/3rd/4th consultants will join them. It is the first joint strike in NHS history with Christmas day cover being provided on these dates.
Emergency services are still operating, but with possible delays. Derby and Derbyshire's Integrated Care Board and assuring patients they've put plans in place to keep them safe during the on-going strikes.
Integrated Care Board's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Chris Weiner, said: "It's a challenge but we've been through many, many other challengers over the years. The obvious one to point to is the Covid-19 experience.
"We have put plans in place, we're trying to keep our emergency services running as effectively and smoothly as possible despite the strikes. We've got plenty of staff out there who are stepping in to make sure we have safe and effective services for people across Derbyshire."
Dr Chris has this advice: "Rather than just turning up at A&E, think do I really need that service? Could I use 111 online? Can I just go and contact my GP, they're all still working and operating over these periods of time? Could I just pop round the corner and go to the pharmacist?
"There's loads of services out there, loads of ways of accessing health care."
NHS advice:
- Use the NHS 111 service for advice if you are unwell
- Only use 999 in life-threatening situations
- Continue to attend your planned appointments unless told otherwise