The public is being asked to use NHS hospital services responsibly ahead of a strike by junior doctors planned for Tuesday.
It is the first in a series of three strikes junior doctors have planned in their dispute with Government over a new contract.
Next week’s 24-hour strike will run from 8am on Tuesday 12 January to 8am on Wednesday 13 January. It will affect all hospital services except emergency care.
Rob Gillies, Executive Medical Director at Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, said the Trust was working with nurses, doctors not affected by the strike and other clinical staff on robust plans to ensure that appropriate care is delivered.
“With the exception of dermatology, ophthalmology and maxillo-facial care, many of the planned services our hospitals provide will be affected and we are in touch with the patients concerned,” said Mr Gillies.
“Put simply, our message to patients with appointments is: ‘if you haven’t heard from us, we still want to see you on Tuesday’.”
Mr Gillies added: “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 people facing life-threatening and emergencies 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).”
Junior doctors plan a further 48-hour strike from 8am on Tuesday 26 January to 8am on Thursday 28 January. Again all hospital services except emergency care will be affected.
A third day of action is set for Wednesday 10 February between 8am and 5pm with a full withdrawal of labour.
Submit News Contact us with your community, business or sport news. Phone 07581350321
Email ots@otsnews.co.uk
Facebook www.facebook.com/otsnews.co.uk
Twitter www.twitter.com/onthespot_news
Breaking local news as it happens, searchable archives with photographs, the ability to instantly comment on news articles – there are so many advantages to OTS (Onthespot) News.
If you want your news read locally online then send it to ots@otsnews.co.uk – relying only on the newspaper is to restrict yourself to an ever reducing audience.