Significant disruption expected as junior doctors and consultants take part in joint walkouts

This week, Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) is urging the local community to choose services wisely to help ensure care is available for patients who need it most during the latest round of industrial action.

Consultants and junior doctors, who are both members of The British Medical Association (BMA), are expected to take part in joint industrial action from 7am on Monday 2 October until 7am on Thursday 5 October.

While NHS services are expected to be exceptionally busy and disruption should be expected, those who need urgent and emergency care should still come forward.

During the last strike high numbers of patients still attended East Surrey Hospital’s emergency department. It is therefore vital that people who need care choose services wisely and consider if an urgent treatment centre or minor injury unit can help. This will help ensure care is available to patients who need it.

This includes using NHS 111, walk-in-centres, GP practices, pharmacies, Crawley Urgent Treatment Centre and the Minor Injury Units at Caterham Dene, Horsham and East Grinstead for non-life-threatening care, and only using 999 or East Surrey emergency department in a genuine emergency – such as if you are seriously ill or experiencing a life-threatening emergency.

Hospital staff will be working round the clock to ensure the safe care of all patients who need urgent and emergency treatment, as well as maintaining as much routine care as possible, and while disruption should be expected, the Trust are working hard to minimise this. People should therefore not put off seeking vital care on strike days.

Angela Stevenson, Chief Executive, said:

“Our services will be exceptionally busy this week and while we are working hard to minimise the disruption, I would urge anyone who does not need emergency care this week to please utilise other NHS services, such as 111 online, your local pharmacy or GP, as well as nearby treatment centres at Crawley, Caterham Dene, Horsham and East Grinstead, and only use 999 or East Surrey emergency department in an urgent or life-threatening emergency. This will help ensure urgent care is available to patients who need it most.

“If you do have an appointment scheduled, please do continue to attend unless we have informed you otherwise. I want to thank our local community for their continued patience and understanding during this latest round of industrial action.”