Junior doctors’ industrial action for April

Junior doctors plan to hold two further strikes in April in their dispute with the Government. The first will run from 8am on Wednesday 6th April to 8am on Friday 8th April. It will affect many hospital services but not emergency care. A full withdrawal of labour is planned by junior doctors from 8am on Tuesday 26th April to 5pm on Wednesday 27th April. Rob Gillies, Executive Medical Director, said: “The Trust will be working with doctors not affected by the planned strikes, nurses and other clinical staff on robust plans to ensure we continue to provide appropriate care. “Some planned services our hospitals provide may be affected. We will be in touch with patients ahead of their appointment should it need to change. “Patients in need of emergency hospital 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. “A&E is for medical emergencies and people facing life-threatening conditions such as serious accidents, serious burns, breathing problems, heart attacks and strokes. “Anyone who needs help in such circumstances should not hesitate in calling 999. There are other healthcare options available for less serious situations – such as visiting your pharmacist or GP, calling NHS 111 or using NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk).”