Doctors Industrial Action - December and January
South west Londoners urged to prepare for junior doctors’ strike just before Christmas
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.
With junior doctors set to strike for 72 hours in the week before Christmas, the local NHS is calling on south west Londoners to be prepared.
The industrial action is due to start at 7am on Wednesday 20 December and end at 7am on Saturday 23 December. It comes before the festive bank holidays on Monday 25 December and Tuesday 26 December.
Ahead of the planned strike, 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.”
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.
NHS South West London medical director Dr John Byrne
Dr Byrne stressed 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.
He also asked people to consider using pharmacies and GPs as they are largely unaffected by strikes so patients can still get appointments and health advice.
Dr Byrne said: “The planned strike days end as we head into a festive weekend followed by the bank holidays for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. This will create significant challenges for the NHS and it is important people know the best way to get care during that time.
“Once more, 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.”
Dr Byrne added that people who have the free NHS app – which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play and accessed by anyone aged 13 and over registered with an NHS GP surgery – can use it to order repeat prescriptions and choose a pharmacy for them to be delivered to. They can also check symptoms or treatments and get advice on what to do next, among many other things.
Junior doctors are set to strike again from 7am on Wednesday January 3 to 7am on Tuesday January 9.
Over the festive bank holidays, 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
If you need advice from a pharmacist:
- For minor medical problems, some local pharmacies will be open and are able to help this weekend – although their opening times may be different.
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 – contact your practice online or by phone to check.
- If your practice is not open but an appointment is necessary, use the NHS 111 online service or call if you cannot get online.
