Advice to patients

The NHS is working hard to ensure that as few patients as possible are affected by the industrial action planned for the 10 February 2016, but some services will need to change. This leaflet explains how you can access NHS services on this day. 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 day of the industrial action.

Planned operations/procedures and outpatients appointments

 If you have a planned operation/procedure or outpatient appointment on the day 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 day of the industrial action. Given that GPs may experience greater demand than normal on this day, 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. 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. If you have regular medication please make sure you have collected your prescription from your GP and have been to the pharmacist to collect it, and have it to hand.