NHS reassures patients over medics' strike

NHS Worcestershire is reassuring people they are not expecting any major disruption to services, including GP surgeries, during the British Medical Association industrial action on Thursday (21 June).

The PCT has been working with GP surgeries and are not expecting any closures on Thursday.

Patients will still be able to access their GP surgery for urgent advice, although for some services they may only accept pre-booked, urgent or emergency appointments.

Anyone who needs GP advice is advised to ring their practice first and get the most up to date information on the day.

Unless specifically informed by hospitals or other services then patients with outpatient appointments should attend their appointment as usual.

Dr Jonathan Leach, local GP and medical director for NHS Worcestershire, said:

"We would like to reassure people, that following discussions with the local GP surgeries we are not expecting any closures on Thursday.

"There will be a small minority of practices that will only be providing emergency and urgent appointments but members of the public should contact their local GP surgeries as usual if they need help from their GP.

"All other staff at the practices will be operating as normal."

He added, “We have also been working closely with other NHS providers, including the hospitals and unless you are contacted by them you should attend your appointment as normal.

"We would like to stress that A&E and 999 should only be used for life threatening or serious conditions. Help us to manage demand for these services and treat those who most need our help, by only using A&E or 999 if your need is urgent."

There are a range of other NHS services available. For information visit www.worcestershire.nhs.uk or www.nhs.uk.

Regional news »