Services at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) are braced for another 48 hours of industrial action this week, with Consultants set to strike for the second time.
Consultants who are members of the British Medical Association will take action against the Government from 7:00am on Thursday 24th August to 7:00am on Saturday 26th August.
WWL has yet again 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 earlier in the month.
During the strike ‘Christmas Day cover’ will be provided; which includes protecting emergency treatment, intensive care, new-born care, maternity, trauma – and some limited planned care.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming industrial action, 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 which is on a Bank Holiday weekend and in the days and weeks that follow, but we would like to reassure our patients and our public that we are doing everything we can to make sure patient safety, as always, remains our top priority. With your support in using NHS services appropriately, we will be able to provide care and services for those who need it most.”
Dr Tim Dalton, Co-Chair Healthier Wigan System Board added: “As we have seen during the winter months and throughout all the industrial action, we have witnessed during the past nine months, our NHS services in the Wigan Borough and across the region have been extremely busy, and we expect that to continue during the Consultant strikes this week.
“We would also encourage our community to help us by being on hand to collect loved ones as soon as they’re well enough to return to their normal place of residence. This will not only help to make patients feel as comfortable and as supported as possible when they leave our hospitals, but it will also free up hospital beds for those who need our care the most.
“Bank Holiday weekends are always challenging for the NHS, and this one will be no different, so it’s really important to make sure that you’re prepared from a self-care perspective. We would always advise being well-stocked on over-the-counter medications, as well as making sure you have organised enough of any repeat prescriptions to last you through the Bank Holiday.”
“That is why it is so important that we all access the right healthcare options for our needs, at the right time and in the right place. By doing so, not only will this help people to get the care they need more quickly, but it will also ensure we are helping each other, by freeing up urgent and emergency care services for those who truly need it.”
“We are extremely grateful that the vast majority of the public do already use our services in the way they are intended, and we would very much appreciate your continued support.”
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.