Advice to patients 

The NHS is working hard to ensure that as few patients as possible are affected by the industrial action planned for Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 April 2016, but some services will need to change. Alternative additional services have been put in place to meet patient demands. Please visit www.nhs.uk/strike to search for the extra services being provided in your local area. 

This leaflet explains how you can access NHS services on these days. It is especially important if you have a long-term health condition or you look after people in vulnerable groups – such as the elderly and young children – that you know what to do on the days of the industrial action. 

Planned operations/procedures and outpatients appointments 

If you have a planned operation/procedure or outpatient appointment one of the days when the industrial action is taking place, your hospital will contact you if it needs to be rearranged. If you have not been contacted by the hospital you should first check the hospital website for additional advice. 

GPs 

Your GP practice will be open and working as normal on the days of the industrial action. Given that GPs may experience greater demand than normal on these days, we strongly recommend that you contact them early if you need advice or an appointment. 

A&E 

Accident and Emergency departments will be open for patients with serious and life threatening conditions, with essential care being provided by senior staff. As is always the case to ensure that hospitals can treat those who most need it, only those patients with serious and life threatening conditions should visit their A&E. 

Other medical needs 

If you become ill on this day with a non-urgent condition and need advice, please visit www.nhs.uk, or go to your local pharmacist. If you need medical help fast but it’s not an emergency call 111, or contact your GP. 

www.nhs.uk/strike