Five consecutive days of strike action planned for later this month has prompted the already-busy NHS in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire to issue an urgent plea for public support.
Resident doctors at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, the Great Western Hospital in Swindon and Salisbury District Hospital, along with their colleagues across the country, are currently voting on whether to press ahead with the planned industrial action after a last-minute offer of resolution was put forward by the government.
As it stands, the walkout will begin at 7am on Wednesday 17 December, and conclude at the same time on Monday 22 December.
Should the strikes go ahead, significant disruption – particularly to pre-planned activity, such as outpatient appointments and routine surgery – is likely, and with hospitals already feeling the traditional winter strain, local people are being asked to show support wherever they can.
Choosing the right health and care service at the right time, while bearing in mind that most minor conditions can be managed safely and effectively at home, often has the biggest impact, as doing so supports frontline teams to focus on those most in need.
Gill May, Chief Nursing Officer, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “December is always a challenging time for the NHS, and this latest period of industrial action will only add to the pressure already being felt.
“As we’ve asked before, the support of our public helps to ensure that urgent and emergency care services, such as our A&E departments and ambulance crews, which will be running as normal, remain ready and available for people in genuine need.
“Practising good self-care at home, as well as using community pharmacies and NHS 111 when unsure of how best to manage a condition, can make a real difference during what is expected to be an incredibly busy time for all in the NHS.”
As well as the challenges posed by industrial action, rising rates of the winter flu virus are causing problems for the region’s hospitals, with ward closures and staff absences adding to the already-pressurised situation.
And with mask-wearing in hospitals now being reintroduced to help prevent the further spread of infection, there has never been a more pertinent time for those yet to get vaccinated against flu to come forward.
Free NHS flu vaccines are still available for eligible groups, such as the over-65s and those living with a weakened immune system, from pharmacies and GP practices, with hundreds of appointments being made available each week.
Connie Timmins, Lead Nurse for Infection Prevention and Control, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to keep vulnerable people safe, but our hospitals will only feel the impact of increased levels of immunity in a couple of weeks’ time, when the vaccination has had time to fully take effect.
“What makes a real difference right now, however, is for any person who has symptoms of flu, or any other infectious condition, such as norovirus and Covid-19, to stay at home until feeling better, as going out and about – especially to hospitals, GP practices or pharmacies – risks passing the virus on to others, including our frontline health and care teams.”
Advice on how to manage winter illnesses, such as flu, can be obtained through NHS 111 online, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at www.111.nhs.uk.
The digital platform provides detailed information on how to treat symptoms, tips on what to do if things get worse and, where necessary, directions to the most appropriate in-person service.
In addition, NHS 111 can help people in need of emergency dental care, with the service able to arrange urgent appointments for issues including broken crowns, bleeding gums and persistent toothache.
Further information on local health and care services, as well as advice on how to stay well this winter, can be found online at www.bswtogether.org.uk/yourhealth.
