First all-out junior doctors strike begins

The action comes as the British Medical Association continues its fight against the government’s plans to force through the changes to junior doctors’ pay and conditions - in particular, weekend work.

The strike takes place between 8am and 5pm on both days and is the first time doctors have staged a full walkout and will not be providing emergency care.

A&E and maternity units will be staffed almost entirely by senior consultants to ensure patient care is as safe as normal.

According to figures from NHS England, 112,856 outpatient appointments and 12,711 planned operations have been cancelled due to the latest action.

Dr Edwin Borman, Medical Director at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SATH), said: “Our first priority is the care of our patients and, as with previous periods of industrial action, we have again worked hard to ensure that our plans minimise the impact on them.

“During previous industrial action, disruption to our patients has been relatively low, but we are very aware that any level of disruption can be inconvenient. We also understand that there will be an added level of anxiety amongst some of our patients because of the nature of the action this time around.

“However, we have again put robust plans in place and have once more taken steps to ensure that any patient affected is notified in advance. Unless you have been contacted in advance, please assume that your appointment is going ahead as planned.

“It has been well reported that demand in our hospitals has been high over the last few weeks, so I would again remind people to ensure they are prepared for any disruption this industrial action may cause.

“If you have regular medication, make sure you have collected your prescription from the GP in plenty of time and have been to the pharmacist to collect it so that you have it to hand.

“If you feel unwell contact your GP or pharmacist, or contact NHS111 for advice.

“Your local pharmacy can offer advice on common problems such as coughs, colds, aches and pains and can also help you decide whether you need to see a doctor."

Some services that may be able to assist during the strike:

• Help and advice is available 24-hours-a-day by ringing NHS 111 (just dial 111) for free. Patients can also call the out-of-hours GP service, Shropdoc, when their own surgery is closed on 0333 222 66 55.

• Your local pharmacist can advise on lots of health issues. They are experts in medicines and minor illnesses and many have consultation rooms. Find your local pharmacist at www.nhs.uk

• Visit the NHS Choices website - www.nhs.uk/staywell

If an illness or injury is not serious, there are many local ‘Pharmacy First’ branches across Shropshire that operate a minor ailments service with specially trained experts who can advise on:

- Coughs and colds, including nasal congestion and sore throat
- Minor cuts and bruises
- Aches and pains, such as headaches, earache and back pain

A list of local participating ‘Pharmacy First’ branches can be found www.shropshireccg.nhs.uk

NHS Choices have an A-Z medical page, www.nhs.uk/Conditions which is useful for checking the early symptoms of a minor illness.