Who is striking? In short, ‘junior doctor’ is the term used to describe all doctors except for consultants and specialists. As a Trust we respect colleagues’ right to undertake industrial action and we very much consider this as a dispute between junior doctors and the Government.
Is it safe? Colleagues are covering essential services to ensure that, should local people need medical attention and help, our hospitals remain operational.
What about my appointment? With regret, we have rearranged some outpatient appointments and procedures. As an organisation, we never take the decision to cancel an appointment/procedure lightly as we are aware of how stressful this is for patients and their loved ones. Alternative dates will be offered as soon as possible and you will be contacted directly if your appointment is affected.
Please note, depending on activity and how the week progresses, some appointments may be cancelled at short notice. If you wish to escalate this further, please contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service: Tel: (01302) 642764 or email: dbth.pals.dbh@nhs.net,
How can local people support the Trust? As a result of this disruption, we are also asking local people to support us by only using the Emergency Department when it is appropriate to do so. Remember, you can call 111 or visit your local pharmacist, GP practice, Minor Injuries Unit or Doncaster Same Day Health Centre if you need medical advice, but your need is not urgent and/or an emergency.
Please help us during this challenging period of time next week and ensure we have the capacity to care for those who really need our help and expertise.
- Continue to come forward if you need urgent medical care, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases. Your NHS is here for you when you need it – especially if you or your loved ones become seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
- To help your NHS to focus on patients who need emergency care most, please only call 999 or attend A&E departments for serious accidents and genuine emergencies.
- If your relative is due to be discharged from hospital and needs to be collected, please do whatever you can to help bring them home as early as possible. This will help our teams to free-up a hospital bed for someone waiting to be admitted.
- Please consider the full range of NHS services that are available to you. When you need urgent medical attention but it’s not an emergency, alternative support is available by visiting NHS111 online or by calling 111.
- Pharmacies can also offer over-the-counter advice and treat common illnesses such as colds, sore throats, stings and allergies.