South Tyneside and Sunderland’s NHS Trust calls for support ahead of doctors strike
Hospitals within the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust are preparing for further industrial action.
Members of the public are being asked for their support by the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT) after of more industrial action next week.
The British Medical Association (BMA) has confirmed the resident doctors across England will take part in a five-day strike, which will run from 7am on Monday, June 15, until 6.59am on Friday, June 19.
As a result, NHS teams across the North East have plans in place to ensure that emergency and urgent care services are prioritised.
Increased pressure likely
However, STSFT says that services are likely to be under increased pressure and members of the public are being asked to help ease demand on Emergency Departments.
Patients with appointments during the industrial action period are being asked to attend as normal unless they are contacted directly by the NHS Trust.
The Trust has confirmed that anyone whose appointment needs to be rescheduled will be contacted as soon as possible.
Sheena Fish, Lead Divisional Director at South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are asking our community to play their part and support their local NHS, particularly while our services are under increased pressure.
“Our priority remains caring for patients and minimising disruption as much as possible.
“Please only use 999 and A&E in a genuine emergency and consider the most appropriate place to seek care.
“GP practices will remain open, and pharmacists are always very good sources of advice and treatment.
"There may be some disruption to other services. This means we have had to rearrange some appointments.
“We will be contacting all patients who are affected by the strike action. If you don’t hear from us, please still attend your appointment as usual."
Seeking health advice
People with urgent but none life-threatening health concerns are being encouraged to use NHS 111 online or by phone during the strike period.
Advice on self-care is also available to the public via the NHS website.
Those who require urgent mental health support should continue to seek it via their local Crisis Team, which can be found by searching your postcode at: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-urgent-mental-health-helpline.
In an emergency, the public should dial 999.