Services expected to be under pressure during junior doctors’ strike

Local NHS organisations in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are asking people to make sensible choices during the upcoming junior doctors’ strike, when all NHS services are expected to be under greater pressure than normal.

Junior doctors are due to go on strike from 7am on Wednesday, 14 June until 7am on Saturday, 17 June, 2023.

Dr Nil Sanganee, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board said: “The local NHS has been planning for the industrial action to ensure we can continuously provide safe care for patients that need it. It is still likely to be a very challenging time and we do need the public to help us again by choosing wisely so we can help them get the right care as quickly as possible. “

Come forward for medical care if you need it

Even though the NHS is expected to be busier than normal, people are advised to continue coming forward for care, including calling 999 if it’s serious or a life-threatening emergency.

They should attend any booked appointments, unless the NHS has already told them that they need to reschedule.

GP practices will be open as normal, so people should continue to use them for anything urgent and that they can’t treat themselves.

Dr Sanganee continued: “What is most important is that people do come forward if they need medical assistance and attend any booked appointments. GP practices are open as normal during the strike so you should continue to use them for anything non-life threatening or routine, or that you haven’t been able to manage yourself.”

If it’s urgent

For urgent health needs people are asked to use NHS 111 as the first port of call by visiting www.111.nhs.uk. They can also phone NHS 111 if they do not have online access or for children under 5. The 111 service is available 24/7 and can advise where to get help for  specific symptoms, direct people to the best local service to use, and book an appointment or arrival time to keep waiting times to a minimum.

For urgent mental health problems, people can call the Mental Health Central Access Point on 0808 800 3302. There is also a range of Neighbourhood Mental Health Cafes available across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Full details are available on the Leicestershire Partnership Trust website: https://www.leicspart.nhs.uk/service/neighbourhood-mh-cafes/ .

For minor injuries or illnesses

People can look after many minor illnesses and injuries themselves at home, but if they need any extra support they can visit www.111.nhs.uk  , use the NHS App or go to a local pharmacy. 

Pharmacists are qualified health professionals and are the right people to see for advice or over-the-counter medicines. They are trained in dealing with many illnesses, they can check symptoms and recommend the best treatment. There is a local pharmacy near to where most people live, so they offer fast, convenient support – without an appointment. Most also have a private consultation room.

People in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland can find out which service to use, depending on their needs, at: www.leicesterleicestershireandrutland.icb.nhs.uk/right-now/ so that they can get the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

Andrew Furlong, Medical Director/Deputy Chief Executive Officer for University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust said: “The whole NHS is likely to be pressured during the industrial action. We are well prepared, and focussed on providing a safe urgent and emergency care service to all who need it. 

“The public can help us by calling 999 in a life-threatening emergency only. You can click or call 111 for non-life threatening care, helping you get to the right place for your needs first time. Local pharmacies can help with less serious ailments.

 “Anyone with a hospital appointment should continue to attend as planned unless they have been contacted to rearrange.”

Sanjay Rao, a consultant psychiatrist for Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “Crisis mental health services remain open. Our Mental Health Central Access Point is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on freephone 0808 800 3302. As well as assessments and early interventions where needed, the service aims to reduce the pressure on other services, particularly emergency services, by offering an alternative to NHS111 and the emergency department. Anyone needing mental health support for themselves or others can call this service. If there is an immediate threat to someone’s life, please phone 999.”