South west Londoners urged to prepare for consultants’ strike and bank holiday weekend

Information from NHS SWL website here

Senior doctors are expected to take industrial action from 7am on Thursday, 24 August until 7am Saturday 26 August, which leads into the summer bank holiday weekend.

Medical director Dr John Byrne is urging people to order repeat prescriptions and get medication for any existing health conditions if they are in danger of running out, although he asked people not to stockpile.

Dr Byrne said: “I would ask everyone to help themselves by ordering and collecting any repeat prescriptions early and ensuring they have enough medication to last the long weekend.

“NHS 111 online can offer advice on how to get an emergency supply but nobody wants to run out when they’re with family and friends who are enjoying time off.”

Dr Byrne reminded people that on strike days people will continue to get urgent care when they need it despite the NHS remaining very busy.

He said that people needing medical help or advice should go to 111.nhs.uk first, unless it is a life-threatening emergency, in which case they must call 999.

Pharmacies and GPs are largely unaffected by strikes so patients can still get appointments and health advice.

Dr Byrne said: “The two planned strike days immediately before a long weekend will create significant challenges for the NHS and it is important people know the best way to get care during that time.

“Once again, we ask for your help during this period – please look after yourselves, check on vulnerable friends and relatives and if you do need us, think about the most appropriate service to use.

“It is still vital that people who require urgent medical care come forward. If you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital, go to 111.nhs.uk, unless it is a life-threatening emergency when you should still call 999.

“Inevitably, the NHS will be impacted on strike days despite the best efforts of staff to minimise the disruption and worries that come with that and unfortunately patients may face postponements to their treatment.

“Appointments will only be rescheduled where necessary and the NHS will contact you if this is the case. If you miss an appointment, please re-book and come forward for the care you need.”

Over the bank holiday weekend, if you need urgent health care:

• If it is a life-threatening emergency, call 999. 
• If you are told to go to hospital, you must go. The NHS will help you get the care you need. 

If you need urgent mental health care:  

• For Kingston, Richmond, Merton, Sutton or Wandsworth ring the 24/7 crisis line at South West London and St George’s on 0800 028 8000.

More about the crisis line

• For Croydon, call South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust on 0800 731 2864 (option 1).

Contact South London and Maudley NHS Foundation Trust

If you need advice from a pharmacist:

• For minor medical problems, many local pharmacies will be open and are able to help this weekend – although their opening times may be different. 
• A number of pharmacies in London will be open for longer hours.
• Search for a pharmacy at nhs.uk

If you think you need urgent dental treatment: 

• Call your dentist. If you cannot contact your dentist, or you do not have one, use the NHS 111 online service or call if you cannot get online. 
• If an appointment is necessary, this will be arranged at an urgent dental care centre. 

If you think you need advice from a GP: 

• GP services are available this bank holiday weekend. 
• Contact your practice online or by phone to be assessed. 
• If your practice is not open but an appointment is necessary, you will be advised of the next steps. Your appointment may be at another nearby service.