Princess Alexandra Hospital trust warns patients to prepare for delays during strike action

Industrial action is due to start at 8am tomorrow (April 26) until 5pm, and then again between the same times on Wednesday.

People who have outpatient appointments booked during strike periods should attend as normal, unless they have been contacted by the hospital and told otherwise.

Patients have been advised to take refreshments, as appointments could be hit by delays.

The hospital, which cares for a number of people from Epping Forest district, hopes to “limit the impact” on appointments but will focus on maintaining emergency services.

The action has been organised as part of an ongoing conflict with central government over a proposed new contract.

Junior doctors say they will be forced to work more hours for less pay, potentially making it unsafe for patients in their care.

Chief medical officer at the Princess Alexandra Hospital Trust, Dr Andy Morris, said: “We have worked hard to manage staffing rotas during the strike and even though there is very high demand in the hospital at the moment, we are committed to minimising disruption for patients.

“We have organised additional senior clinical teams to support our emergency services.

“We are also urging everyone to consider the most appropriate treatment choice for their condition.  It should be remembered that the first port of call for non-emergencies and when your GP surgery is closed is the NHS 111 service which you can access for free from your landline or mobile by simply dialing 111. 

“A member of the team will assess you, provide advice and direct you to the local service that can offer you support. 

“In most cases, you can get help and advice from these professionals which can remove the need to attend the Emergency Department.”

To check information about your appointment, phone the hospital’s Patient Contact Centre on 01279 827 391.

Any patients requiring general help and advice should visit http://www.nhs.uk/staywell/.