Junior doctors' strike – Rotherham health bosses' advice

ROTHERHAM health bosses have advised people to still attend appointments unless otherwise directed during this week's junior doctors' strike – but have warned A&E may face longer waits as a result.

Industrial action is due to take place across the country from 7am on Thursday, July 13, until 7am on Tuesday, July 18.

This will be followed by a 48-hour period of strike action taken by consultants from 7am next Thursday, July 20. 

The British Medical Association said junior doctors in the NHS in England were taking strike action to achieve "full pay restoration to reverse the steep decline in pay faced by junior doctors since 2008/9".

Junior doctors are qualified in clinical training and range from newly qualified doctors to those with many years’ experience, while consultants are senior doctors that have completed full medical training in a specialised area of medicine. 

Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust is urging anyone who needs emergency medical care to still come forward during the period of industrial action as "plans are in place".

But the trust has acknowledged some non-urgent appointments and procedures may need to be postponed and will contact those affected.

Medical director Dr Jo Beahan said: "We are working to put plans in place to maintain safe and effective care for patients – however, during this upcoming period of industrial action, there may be longer waits in the Urgent and Emergency Care Centre.

"Patients whose appointments have to be rearranged will be contacted directly.

"If we do not contact you, please attend your appointment as planned."

In order to help manage demand, the trust is asking the public to use emergency services appropriately and, if emergency medical care is not needed, to consider alternative services such as NHS 111, GPs and local pharmacists.

Anyone unsure of the best place to receive advice, should visit www.111.nhs.uk.