NHS plans in place to cover industrial action by junior doctors

Bedfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (BCCG) is working closely with GP surgeries, local hospitals and other health and care services to address the pressures which may emerge as a result of junior doctors’ strike.

“We have advised GP surgeries across Bedfordshire that training sessions and meetings are cancelled for the duration of the strike, and GPs who are not scheduled to be work those days in their practice have been asked to consider doing extra shifts to support the urgent care of patients,” said Dr Alvin Low, Chair of BCCG.

“It is important to remember that the NHS will be working as normal, and emergency care will continue to be provided in our hospitals by senior doctors and other clinicians, and by any junior doctors who chose not to join the strike on those days.”

Karen Ward, Bedford Hospital’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “We would like to reassure the public that we have robust plans in place at the hospital and will continue to work hard to minimize any impact on our patients. We would like to remind local residents to consider alternatives to A&E first, such as pharmacists, GP surgeries and the NHS 111 service unless it is an injury or an emergency.

“Choosing the right service for your needs helps us to focus our attention on the most seriously unwell patients and can also save you time.”

To help people find the best care during the strike, visit www.nhs.uk/strike which has information about extended services being provided in local areas.

If you have a planned operation/procedure or outpatient appointment on the day when the industrial action is taking place, your hospital will contact you if it needs to be rearranged. If you have not been contacted, check the hospital website for additional advice.