The London North West University Healthcare NHS trust has issued guidance regarding the upcoming strike by junior doctors in the British Medical Association.
The strike is scheduled to start from 7am on Tuesday, April 11th, and will last until 7am on Saturday, April 17th.
The industrial action will affect all inpatient and outpatient services at Central Middlesex Hospital, Ealing Hospital, Northwick Park Hospital, and St. Mark’s Hospital.
As a result, the trust has been forced to cancel many appointments and planned procedures. Patients who are affected will be sent a new date as soon as possible. The trust has advised patients that if they don’t hear from them, they should come to their appointment as usual.
In an emergency, patients should always call 999. If they’re unsure where to go, they should call NHS 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk for help.
During the strike, A&E services at Northwick Park in Harrow, and all the trusts’ hospitals, will experience longer wait times, so patients are urged to stay away if it isn’t an emergency.
Maternity services will remain open as usual, and patients who are worried about themselves or their baby should call maternity triage as soon as possible.
The trust has also warned patients that they will experience longer waits than usual if they’re calling to speak to a relative or friend or if they’re calling for an update on a relative’s condition. The trust has asked patients to bear with them during this challenging time.
The trust’s tweet reads: “We’re still here for you in an emergency during #JuniorDoctorStrike, but please help us care for the people who really need us: you’ll be seen quicker elsewhere with 111.nhs.uk. In an emergency, always call 999.
“If you have to come to A&E, expect longer than usual waits, and come on your own to leave space for people who really need us. We’ll tell you know if we need to reschedule your appointment, but if you don’t hear from us, come in as usual.”
