Plans are well underway to ensure that all our urgent and emergency services remain open as usual during BMA national strike by resident doctors that starts at 7am on Wednesday 17 December. We are also aiming to run as many of our planned care services – including outpatient treatments, tests and appointments – as possible. So please attend appointments as usual unless you hear directly from us in advance.

Due to very high levels of flu in our communities and our hospitals, we are asking all visitors and patients to please wear a mask on wards and in clinical and waiting areas. It is safe to visit but please do not come to the hospital if you are feeling unwell or have experienced diarrhoea or vomiting in the past 48 hours.

The BMA confirmed on Monday that the action would go ahead in a national dispute about pay and conditions.

  • Will my appointment be cancelled? Patients are advised to attend appointments as planned unless contacted directly by their local NHS trust.
  • How do I get urgent medical attention during the strike? The public is being directed to NHS 111 online or the NHS App for non-life-threatening care, while 999 remains reserved for serious emergencies.
  • Is it safe to go to the hospital during the strike? There are concerns regarding patient safety, especially during a concurrent "flu-nami". However, the BMA and NHS leaders state that senior consultants will cover essential services to maintain safety.