Information for the public on Industrial action
The NHS in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire is working hard to keep people safe during the planned strikes, while delivering the best care possible.
The next planned industrial action is from junior doctors, with strikes planned on Monday 13 March, Tuesday 14 March, and Wednesday 15 March.
If you have an appointment, please continue to come forward for the care you need. Please don’t call to check if your appointment is going ahead. You will be contacted directly if your appointment needs to be rearranged.
No-one should put off seeking urgent or emergency care during the strikes and people with serious, life-threatening conditions will continue to be seen at our Emergency Departments.
Where the situation is not life-threatening, alternative support will be available through NHS 111 online or through calling NHS 111, and where possible, it is advised that you arrange alternative transport.
Regardless of any strike action taking place it is really important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to use services as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
On days where there is strike action, patients are being encouraged to only call 999 if it is a medical or mental health emergency – when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.
During strike days, it is likely 999 call handlers will be very busy. NHS 111 call centres will have fewer staff, with longer call response times expected across the system. As a result, we are urging anyone with non-urgent care need to first seek help from NHS 111 online.
The NHS.UK website has more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E.
More information is available on local hospital websites:
Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust