NHS medical director Dr Andrew Kelso warns of impact of junior doctors strikes

The medical director of the NHS in Suffolk and north east Essex has warned that this week's strike action by junior doctors will have a significant impact on patients.

Dr Andrew Kelso is warning that this week’s industrial action over pay will have a far greater impact on NHS services than last month’s strikes.

The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced junior doctors will take part in strike action from 7am on Tuesday, April 11 until 7am on Saturday, April 15.

While March’s 72-hours of industrial action resulted in a number of postponements to appointments and procedures, the NHS has predicted that this week’s 96-hour strike will see even more people affected and greater interruption to NHS health care services.

This week, NHS services will remain open, including hospital emergency departments, GP surgeries and ambulance and mental health services.

People should attend any health appointments they have unless contacted beforehand by their health care provider, and those with life-threatening and emergency conditions should not hesitate in asking for treatment.

Dr Kelso has urged people to be aware of the strike action and to do what they can to support the health care system by using the right service for their health needs.

He said: “While I recognise everyone’s right to strike, this latest action is going to have a significant impact on our patients, coming as it does on the back of an incredibly busy Easter holiday weekend and during a period when the NHS is already under enormous pressure.

“This pressure is not the fault of patients, but at this extremely difficult time I ask people to use our precious NHS resources even more carefully than normal. Reduced numbers of staff in hospital emergency departments are needed to treat seriously ill people so please don’t go there unless this is the case.

"By turning up with a minor illness or injury you’ll be adding to the pressures of an already overburdened service, and that’s not what the NHS needs right now. Instead, ask for advice from the pharmacy or call or go online to NHS 111, which is available 24/7.

“It’s inevitable too that some operations will be postponed and appointments rearranged, but please don’t call your health provider. They’ll contact you if there’s any change of plans.

“I am deeply sorry that junior doctors have chosen to express their dispute with the government in this way and that patients are having to wait even longer for treatment.

“It’s going to be a very challenging few days, but if everyone does their bit, we can ensure the NHS in Suffolk and north east Essex is able to continue to look after the physical and mental health of local people.”