Local healthcare Trust urges community to choose services wisely ahead of double industrial strike action for junior doctors and hospital consultants

The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced that hospital consultants will take part in strike action on Tuesday 19 September and Wednesday 20 September.

Junior doctors will strike from Wednesday 20 September to Friday 22 September.

Due to the strike action, it is anticipated that delays will be present as hospitals work with a reduced availability of consultants and junior doctors.

Some hospital appointments and planned treatment may need to be rearranged. Healthcare teams will contact people as soon as possible if your appointment needs to be changed. If you do not hear from your healthcare team your appointment will be going ahead as planned.

The Trust is urging patients to consider their options carefully and choose the most suitable healthcare service based on the urgency and nature of their condition.

Richard Robinson, Chief Medical Officer at the Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust said:

During periods of industrial strikes, we want to reassure you we are committed to providing the best possible care to those who need it most. Our teams across the Trust and in our Emergency Department will be prioritising care for those who require urgent medical care with serious injury, illness, or whose lives are at risk.

“If you find yourself in need of medical attention, please keep in mind that A&E is not your only option. For medical conditions that are not emergencies, there are alternatives such as visiting your GP or local pharmacies and NHS 111 where call handlers are trained to direct you to the most appropriate NHS service.

Alternative NHS services

NHS 111 Online

People should only call 999 if it is a medical or mental health emergency, when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

If you have an urgent medical problem that isn’t an emergency and aren’t sure what to do, contact NHS 111 first by phone or online – they will provide medical advice and direct you to the best care for you.

Please note that during strike days, it is likely 999 call handlers will be very busy. NHS 111 call centres will have fewer staff, with longer call response times expected across the system. As a result, we are urging anyone with non-urgent care need to first seek help from NHS 111 online.

If you’re worried about your child’s health, you can find online healthcare advice recommended by local healthcare professionals at wyhealthiertogether.nhs.uk

GP appointments in Wakefield

Patients in Wakefield can get face-to-face GP appointments for urgent problems and book routine appointments in advance, for when their own GP practice is closed, through the GP Care Wakefield service.

The service is available between 5pm and 9.30pm on weekdays; and 9am and 1pm on Sundays and 9am and 3pm on bank holidays. All you need to do is contact your own practice telephone number, at any time of day and you will get through to the right service.

GP appointments in Kirklees

GP surgeries in Kirklees offer appointments until 8pm on weekdays. Some appointments may be at a nearby surgery rather than your usual GP practice. You can book appointments, arrange medication, and access advice online, check your GP practice website for details.

King Street walk in centre in Wakefield

King Street Walk in Centre, Wakefield, is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, between 10am and 10pm.

Pharmacy

You can also call into your local pharmacy for expert advice on many common illnesses such as headaches, sore throats and aches and pains, and there is no need to book an appointment. Visit togetherwe-can.com for advice to help you choose the right service.

Mental health support

Mental health support will continue to be available throughout the strike action and bank holiday period. Visit https://togetherwe-can.com/mental-health for details of local services. For urgent help in a mental health crisis, call your local 24 hr helpline, for Wakefield and Kirklees this is: 0800 183 0558.

Regardless of any strike action taking place, if you are a patient who needs urgent care for emergency and life-threatening cases continue to come forward as normal. For more information on when to go to A&E, please visit the NHS UK website.