THE Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust has prepared for next week’s industrial action by junior doctors. The hospital is planning to limit the impact wherever possible; however, our focus will be on maintaining emergency services.

Junior Doctors are due to undertake industrial action from 8am on Tuesday 26 April until 5pm and again between the same times on Wednesday 27 April. . Normal conditions will be resumed after 5pm on Wednesday.

PATIENTS who have outpatient appointments booked during this period are advised to attend their appointments as normal, unless they have been contacted by the hospital and told otherwise.  Patients attending an appointment during the period of industrial action may potentially experience a delay; we would advise patients to bring refreshments with them. Any patient who requires clarification about their appointment should ring the hospital’s Patient Contact Centre on 01279 827391.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr Andy Morris at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust said: “We have worked hard to manage staffing rotas during the strike and even though there is very high demand in the hospital at the moment we are committed to minimising disruption for patients. We have organised additional senior clinical teams to support our emergency services.

“We are also urging everyone to consider the most appropriate treatment choice for their condition. It should be remembered that the first port of call for non-emergencies and when your GP surgery is closed, is the NHS 111 service which you can access for free from your landline or mobile by simply dialing 111. A member of the team will assess you, provide advice and direct you to the local service that can offer you support. In most cases, you can get help and advice from these professionals which can remove the need to attend the Emergency Department.”

Any patients requiring general help and advice are encouraged to go to http://www.nhs.uk/staywell/