Five-day doctors' strike starts as Cheshire hospitals warn of 'significant disruption'

The walk-out begins today

Cheshire hospitals have issued advice to patients as it warns of 'significant disruption' due to the five-day doctors' strike. The walk-out, which is being staged in an ongoing row over jobs and pay, got underway at 7am today (Friday).

Last week, resident doctors - formerly known as junior doctors - rejected a fresh offer from the Government to end the long-running dispute, saying it "does not go far enough". The medics are striking for five days and will return on November 19, the British Medical Association (BMA) said.

This week, Health Secretary Wes Streeting accused the BMA of acting like a cartel and threatening the future existence of the NHS. He said they were inflicting "damage and disruption" on the health service with its strikes, adding that the Government would not "be held to ransom" and it was clear the union was no longer a professional voice for doctors.

A BMA spokesperson said: “The BMA is advocating effectively for doctors to find a solution which gets doctors into jobs so that they can see patients and reverses lost pay so that it keeps them in the workforce now and in the future. The Secretary of State should recognise the importance of demonstrating that the Government values the NHS workforce, not blaming them for taking action when their pay’s value remains a fifth below where it was in 2008, and doctors struggle to find work even as patients wait many months to see a doctor.

"There will be a way to end this dispute, and like any professional association and trade union, we are first and foremost interested in getting back around the table with Government to negotiate properly and reach a solution on both jobs and pay for the benefit of all."

As the strike gets underway, hospital trusts in the county are issuing advice and guidance to patients. NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Medical Director, Professor Rowan Pritchard Jones, is urging people to use NHS 111 for all non-emergency healthcare needs and to support the safe and timely discharge of loved ones who are ready to leave hospital.

"As we head into the busiest time of the year, we’re asking for the public’s support in continuing to use NHS services appropriately," he said. "The NHS has tried and tested plans in place to mitigate risks to patient safety and manage any disruption, including industrial action, but inevitably a walkout on this scale will lead to significant service disruption.

“You should still call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. But if you need urgent medical help and you're not sure where to go, use NHS 111 online to get assessed and directed to the right place for you”.

Countess of Chester Hospital Trust

"Strike action will create significant challenges for the NHS with staff already managing increase demand for urgent and emergency care, during what is set to be an incredibly challenging winter and our busiest time of year.

"Almost half of all hospital doctors are resident doctors. You will see resident doctors working in almost every part of a busy hospital, including A&E where they might diagnose you or put you under anaesthetic, write prescriptions, support the process of admission and discharge, maintain the flow of patients through the hospital and ensure beds are available for those who need them the most.

"The NHS will continue to deliver planned care where possible, especially for patients in greatest clinical need, and we would urge the public to attend any planned appointments unless contacted directly by the NHS to reschedule. The NHS 111 service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"If needed, NHS 111 can also arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic or an appointment at the most appropriate local service including local pharmacies, urgent treatment centres, GP practices or A&E. More information about when to call 999 and when to go to A&E is available via the national NHS website."

Mid Cheshire Hospitals

"The strikes are expected to cause significant service disruption for NHS Trusts in Cheshire and Merseyside. NHS pay is a matter for the Government and trade unions.

"The NHS has tried and tested plans in place to mitigate risks to patient safety and manage any disruption, including industrial action, but inevitably there will be some service disruption on strike days. Emergency care and other critical services such as maternity departments will be open as usual and life-threatening calls responded to.

"People should always call 999 or attend accident and emergency services in the event of a life or limb-threatening emergency. The NHS will continue to deliver planned care where possible, especially for patients in greatest clinical need, and we would urge the public to attend any planned appointments unless contacted directly by the NHS to reschedule.

"Local services will keep their websites and social media accounts up-to-date with the latest information - so please check before you travel. We’re urging people to make NHS 111 Online their first port of call if they need urgent health advice on days of strike action. As always, please also continue to help to support the safe and timely discharge of loved ones who are ready to leave hospital. Irrespective of any industrial action, please do not hesitate to come forward to access care if you need it."

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