Sunderland and South Tyneside’s NHS Trust’s new advice to patients as doctors strike is cancelled

The South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT) has issued fresh advice to its patients after the latest doctors strike was called off.

Residents doctors across England were due to take part in a five-day strike from Monday, June 15, however the British Medical Association (BMA) called off the industrial action before it started.

The BMA cancelled the strike after the Government presented an offer on pay and jobs.

The planned strike meant that STSFT had called on members of the public for their support and understanding during what would have been a period of “increased pressure”.

As a result of preparations for the industrial action, some patients at STSFT would have had planned appointments rescheduled.

The NHS Trust has since issued further advice to patients, asking them to wait until medical professionals contact them this week with a new appointment time.

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On Sunday, June 14, a spokesperson for the Trust said: “If we have already told you your appointment needs to change because of the strike, please wait for us to contact you this week with a new time.

“We will text or call you.

“We will start to contact patients as soon as we can tomorrow morning [Monday, June 15].

“Please wait to hear from us.”

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has also told patients that if they have an appointment this week and staff have not already been in touch to change it, then patients should attend as normal.

For more information about South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, visit: https://www.stsft.nhs.uk/.

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