The junior doctor's industrial action is taking place from 8am to 5pm on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th April and this time it is different than before as there is a full withdrawal of junior doctors from emergency and planned care.
Since the action was announced we have been working closely with our NHS partners to plan ahead and develop robust plans and the safety and care of patients is our top priority.
We need your support
We are asking for people’s support to reduce pressure on emergency services by only going to A&E if you really need to and keeping it free for serious and life-threatening emergencies only. Patients in need of urgent and emergency care will continue to receive the treatment they need, when they need it. In all cases priority will be given to those patients with the most pressing health needs.
If someone is suffering from serious illness or injury such as choking, chest pain, severe bleeding and broken limbs, they should not put off attending A&E.
If it is a minor illness or injury people are reminded of the other healthcare options available such as visiting their pharmacist or GP, the walk in centre, calling NHS 111 or using NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk). The range of option in Sheffield are:
- The Minor Injuries Unit at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital is open 8am – 8pm and deals with less serious injuries.
- The NHS Walk-in Centre on Broad Lane will be open 8am – 10pm and are able to deal with minor illnesses and injuries.
- You can call NHS 111 when you need to access medical and dental help fast but it is not an emergency.
- Your local pharmacist is a highly trained healthcare professional, and can give you advice on common illnesses and the medicines you need to treat them.
- You can call your GP practice for an appointment or a phone call with a doctor? If you GP practice is closed you will be redirected to the out of hours service and if you need to see a doctor you will be able to in one of the 4 GP out of hours hubs across the city.
- Self care - can your illness be looked after at home?
For more information on all of the choices available to you, including how to self-care, visit our Your Health web page here.
Dr Zak McMurray, GP and Medical Director at NHS Sheffield CCG said, “As ever, the safety and care of patients is our top priority in Sheffield and robust plans are in place. We have been working with providers across the city to ensure we can continue to protect the safety and welfare of our patients and provide the urgent services they may need.
“We would encourage people who already have appointments or elective operations scheduled to check arrangements with the service provider and rearrange them if necessary. We would also urge people to take extra special care of their own health over this period – and to look out for more vulnerable members of their families and communities.”
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