Junior doctors' strike: information for patients
The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced junior doctors will take strike action from 07:00 on Saturday 24 February to 23:59 on Wednesday 28 February. Ahead of the latest action, The BMA has advised their members that shifts that start on Wednesday 28 February and end on Thursday 29 February should be completed in full, including starting a night shift on Wednesday 28 February.
Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association (HCSA) has announced that their junior doctor members will be on strike from 06:59 on Saturday 24 February until shifts starting after 07:00 on Thursday 29 February so it is vital that the public continue to use services wisely.
The industrial action is a national dispute between the Government and Trade Unions about terms and conditions that will impact Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust. It is the first time this year that the strikes will start at the weekend.
The safety of our patients and staff remains our top priority during the industrial action. We are working together across our Trust to make sure we have robust plans in place to ensure the safety and welfare of our patients and our colleagues during strike action.
This means that some planned care – appointments, procedures and operations, for example – may be rearranged to help us safely manage the impact of the strike and provide emergency care.
Appointments
If you have an appointment at one of our hospitals, please attend unless you hear from us.
Please do not call to check if your appointment is going ahead. We will be in touch with you directly if we need to rearrange your appointment.
How to access urgent and emergency care during industrial action
Please be aware that our hospitals are likely to be busier than usual. You can help us manage this challenging period by seeking help from the most appropriate health services, and only attending A&E for serious accidents and emergencies.
If you are unwell, use NHS 111 online for 24/7 advice about the most appropriate care for your needs, or call 111 – they will provide medical advice and direct you to the best care for your needs.
Regardless of the strike action, it is important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergencies and life-threatening cases - when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
If you have a life-threatening emergency, our Emergency Department (A&E) remains open 24 hours a day.
We are always here for those who need care.
Minor Injuries Unit
Our Minor Injuries Unit in Haslemere is open seven days a week, 8am-5pm, including during periods of industrial action.
You do not need an appointment and can receive treatment for:
- wounds – cuts, bruises and grazes
- minor burns
- suspected broken bones, strains, and sprains
- minor eye injuries
- minor head injuries (with no loss of consciousness)
- removal of foreign bodies from ears, eyes or nose or from under the skin (splinters)
- bites and stings