Getting the help you need during the doctors’ strike
From 7am on Tuesday 11 April to 6:59am on Saturday 15 April there is strike action taking place by junior doctors at most NHS Trusts, including hospitals in North West London.
Junior doctors are fully trained doctors with up to eight years of experience – they account for around 50% of doctors working in the NHS. This means that NHS services will be under a huge amount of pressure leading up to, and during the strike. Hospitals will be doing everything they can to keep disruption to a minimum and ensure the safety of patients.
Planned tests and hospital appointments may need to be changed or rearranged so that patients who need urgent or emergency care can be treated as soon as possible. If you have not been contacted, please still attend your appointment as planned.
It is important that patients who do need urgent medical care continue to come forward. If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, you should still attend A&E or call 999.
For non-emergency health needs, you should access the alternative NHS services available to you:
- NHS 111: Fully trained health professionals are available, 24/7, to help if you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital. You can contact NHS 111 online, or by calling 111.
- Your GP: The majority of practices in north west London will remain open during the strike, though many will be under increased pressure. Do continue to attend your GP and dental appointments unless you have been contacted and told otherwise.
- Pharmacy: Pharmacists are trained health professionals who can help with your medication questions and minor health concerns. Many offer private consultations without an appointment, and can advise where to get further help if you need it.
In this video, hear from Charlotte Benjamin, NHS North West London Chief Medical Officer, on how these strikes will impact NHS services in north west London, and what you can do to access the help you need.
By considering which service to go to, you’re helping NHS staff make sure that you, and so many others, can get the right support as soon as possible.
