Junior Doctor industrial action over the Christmas and New Year period
The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust is urging anyone who needs emergency medical care to still come forward during Junior Doctor industrial action taking place next week.
Junior Doctors across the country are due to hold action from 7am on Wednesday 20 December until 7am on Saturday 23 December. Plans are in place to ensure all patients continue to receive safe and effective care during this period, however it is important that services are used appropriately..
Patients with appointments planned should attend as normal unless they are contacted directly by the Trust.
Dr Jo Beahan, Medical Director at the Trust, said: “It is really important that anyone who needs urgent or emergency medical attention next week continues to attend our Urgent and Emergency Care Centre. While our junior doctors may be striking, our services remain open for those that need our help.
“We have plans in place to ensure patients in our care will continue to receive the treatment they need throughout the period of industrial action.
“In the run up to Christmas, we will aim to discharge any patients that are medically fit so that they can spend the festive period with their loved ones.
“Patients with appointments will be contacted directly if we need to rearrange their appointment. If we do not contact you, please attend as planned.
“While our services do remain open, as always it is vital that they are used appropriately. The Urgent and Emergency Care Centre is for those in need of urgent medical care. If anyone is unsure of the best place for them to receive advice, visit www.111.nhs.uk.”
A further period of industrial action is planned for the start of January, which is typically the busiest time of year for NHS services. Action will take place from 7am on Wednesday 3 January to 7am on Tuesday 9 January 2024.