Thursday, April 6, 2023
South West NHS leaders are anxious about managing patient demand ahead of several days of junior doctors’ strikes and bank holidays. In spring/summer, sixteen million tourists are anticipated to visit the region.
Dr. Michael Marsh, medical director for NHS England, said that next week’s strike will be “the most disruptive in NHS history.”
“Bring your own medication. If you have a problem, your first port of call should still be your own GP,” he said.
“We also ask that the tourists when they do come, are sensible and do think about their safety so that they don’t have a serious accident that puts further stress on the health service,” Dr Marsh added.
He stated that while urgent and emergency treatment will be available, individuals should select the appropriate option for their requirements.
Junior physicians demand a 35% salary increase owing to challenges such as the cost of living issue and rising inflation, which they claim would bring them back in line with pay levels in 2008.
The government has stated that their request is unrealistic.
The British Medical Association (BMA) is preparing a four-day walkout beginning on April 11 that will affect both scheduled and emergency services.
That comes after the four-day Easter holiday, which usually results in a backlog of patients seeking to visit doctors.
Then, in May, there will be a record three bank holidays, including the Coronation.
Dr Marsh said, “The NHS in the South West has been preparing for a while for the start of the main holiday season.
“We need to prioritise ensuring people can still receive emergency treatment, critical care, maternity and neonatal care and trauma, which is why we’re asking people to only dial 999 in an emergency and use NHS 111 for non-life-threatening care, as well as local pharmacies or general practice. “
Taunton Vale surgery said it was expecting to lose four trainee GPs during the strike.
Dr Tim Norbury, a partner at the practice, said, “If your problem is one that can wait, it would be really appreciated if you do contact the healthcare service after that week is over.”
Tags: south west england
Saturday, April 27, 2024
