Croydon’s NHS hospitals are coming to terms with the latest junior doctors strike, in the ongoing pay dispute with the government.
Long-running dispute: NHS doctors are carrying out another round of strike action
Junior doctors began their latest strike action this morning from 7am, and they will remain on strike until Saturday, December 23, at 7am.
They plan a further round of six days of industrial action from January 3.
It means, says NHS London, “that in the coming three weeks, only two weekdays are unaffected by holidays or industrial action”.
“The latest strikes by junior doctors are expected to cause widespread disruption,” the NHS said.
Emergency care continues to be prioritised during the industrial action. “People should still call 999 in life-threatening emergencies and contact NHS 111 for other health concerns, as well as local services including GPs and pharmacies,” a NHS spokesperson said.
Important message: Chris Streather
The latest strikes come as the NHS faces the annual winter surge in admissions and cases, with a sharp rise in the number of people with flu symptoms being seen by GPs nationally. There is also more people are attending emergency departments, and admissions to intensive care are also on the rise.
Chris Streather, NHS London’s medical director, said: “The NHS in London has been preparing extensively for these strikes, and it’s important that people continue to come forward for care if they need it.
“To help us deliver care to those that need it most, we are asking the public to continue to use 999 and A&E in life-threatening emergencies.
“For everything else people should contact NHS 111 online, as well using local services like GPs and pharmacies for advice and care. If you haven’t been contacted or informed that your planned appointment has been postponed, please attend as normal.”
Public health officials continue to urge all those eligible for covid or flu jabs on the NHS to make sure they get vaccinated to protect themselves from serious illness. Those eligible for jabs can still talk to their GP or pharmacist about getting vaccinated.
Pharmacies and GPs are unaffected by the strikes so patients can still get appointments and health advice.
People can get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines if:
- you are 65 years old or over
- or you have some health conditions
- or you are pregnant
- or you have a learning disability
- Carers can also get flu and COVID-19 vaccines if they are paid or unpaid. They may be able to get the vaccines at the same time as the person they care for
- Those eligible for flu and covid vaccination should book their appointments via their pharmacist or their GP surgery
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