Junior doctors are expected to go on strike from Monday 13 March to Wednesday 15 March led by the British Medical Association. Further action is also planned on Tuesday by staff from the Hospital Consultants Specialists Association.
It is expected that there will be disruption to NHS services during the three days, and we are asking the public for their support to help reduce the impact of this disruption to our patients.
We will be prioritising emergency care – 999 and our emergency departments are still the right services if it is a life-saving emergency.
However, for anything that isn’t a life-threatening illness or injury, please use 111 online as the first port of call for health needs. You can also call 111 for help, advice and signposting to the most appropriate service.
Some planned appointments and clinics are expected to be affected but please plan to attend your appointments unless you are contacted directly by us. You do not need to contact your NHS service or team in advance, we will let you know if an appointment needs to be rescheduled.
Pharmacies, walk-in centres, minor injury units and urgent treatment centres will also continue to be available across Sussex.
Speaking on behalf of the NHS in Sussex, NHS Sussex Chief Medical Officer, Dr Dinesh Sinha, said:
“Patient safety is our absolute priority, and health and care partners are working together to ensure essential urgent and emergency care services will be available so that patients can continue to access vital medical attention when they need it most.
“We are asking patients to help NHS staff during the three days and use services wisely. Only use emergency departments and 999 for life-threatening illnesses or injuries to ensure care is available to patients who need it most. If it is not an emergency, use NHS 111 online as the first port of call for help, advice and support.
“We do expect there to be an impact on some appointments and clinics but ask patients to continue to attend planned appointments unless you hear directly from the NHS to make new arrangements.
“We thank the public for their support and we are also incredibly grateful to all of the health and care staff across Sussex for their hard work and dedication.”