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Services at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) are braced for 48 hours of industrial action this week, with Consultants set to strike for the very first time.
Consultants who are members of the British Medical Association will take action against the Government from 7:00am on Thursday 20th July to 07:00am on Saturday 22nd July.
WWL has put robust plans in place to minimise any potential disruption during the strike, having just faced the challenge of an extended period of industrial action from Junior Doctors.
During this week’s strike and in next month’s expected walkouts on Thursday 24th and Friday 25th August, announced earlier this week, Consultants will provide ‘Christmas Day cover’; which includes protecting emergency treatment, intensive care, new-born care, maternity, trauma – and some limited planned care.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming strike, WWL Medical Director, Professor Sanjay Arya, said:
“In the days following the strike action taken by Junior Doctors we have seen a further increase in demand on our Emergency Department, very high attendance figures putting our services under severe pressure, and whilst we are working hard within our hospitals and with partners from across health and social care within the Wigan Borough, I must ask everyone to use our services appropriately.
“Patients should not put off seeking urgent or emergency care for life, limb and sight-threatening conditions, but we are once again asking people to use other NHS services available to ensure those with the most urgent and serious needs can be seen.
“It’s really important that we are providing the right care for patients in the right place, and many of our patients are ready to return to their normal place of residence. Friends and loved ones of patients can help by supporting them through the discharge process, which will not only help to keep patients comfortable, but it will also free up hospital beds for our patients who desperately need acute care at WWL.
“We are expecting our services to face further considerable impacts during this upcoming Consultants strike and in the days and weeks that follow. This strike is very different to the ones we have been through since December last year, as no other staff group can provide cover for consultants, and many staff are dependent on consultant supervision for their work.
“We are doing everything we can to make sure patient safety, as always, remains our top priority, and with the support of the public and appropriate use of NHS services, we will be able to provide care and services for those who need it most.”
Where else to get help from? Get to know where to go
NHS 111
WWL is urging members of the public to use NHS 111 Online for all non-emergency healthcare needs, in the first instance, unless the issue concerns a child under five-years-old, when they should call 111. Deaf people or people with hearing loss can dial 18001 111 on a textphone or use the Relay UK app (which can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store or Google Play Store).
NHS 111 Online can help if:
• You need help but don’t know who to call
• How to find general health information and advice
• You are ill and need to be told what to do next
• How to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
Pharmacy
Lots of illnesses can also be managed safely at home, or with a trip to a local pharmacist. There are pharmacies open late into the night and very early in the morning. Find your nearest one here: Find a pharmacy - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Urgent dental care
The Greater Manchester Urgent Dental Care Service is available from 8am to 10pm every day including weekends for severe dental pain and infection. People can call 0333 332 3800 to be assessed by a healthcare professional, who can provide self-care advice or book a face-to-face appointment, if needed.
Urgent eye care
If you have a sudden and urgent problem with your eyes, you can contact a local practice to get an appointment: NHS Greater Manchester Community Urgent Eye Care Service (CUES) - Primary Eyecare Services.
Mental health
For free urgent mental health support, people can contact the 24/7 helpline on 0800 953 0285 – it is available to anyone of any age. If there’s an immediate risk of danger to life, you should ring 999.
More information about when to call 999 and when to go to A&E is available via the national NHS website.