PATIENTS across Berkshire are being warned to expect disruption ahead of more junior doctor and consultant strikes.

The health proffesionals will strike over four days next week as the first time in history that junior doctors and consultants are taking industrial action on the same day.

NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust urged patienst to 'use services widely'.

NHS Frimley ICB chief medical officer Dr Lalitha Iyer said: “There are steps we can all take to make sure we use the most appropriate service for our needs and ensure that help can be prioritised to those who need it most.

“It’s very important that people who need medical care come forward, especially when someone has a life-threatening illness or injury. A range of services are available to ensure Accident and Emergency Departments (A&E) are freed up to treat those with life-threatening and critical illnesses or injuries.

"Care for life-threatening or serious illness/injury will be prioritised."

NHS leaders are warning the impact of these strikes will be very challenging for local services. 

Consultant doctors will strike between 7am on September 19 and 7am on September 21. Junior doctors will strike between 7am on September 20 and 7am on September 23.

On September 19 and 20 September 20, the British Medical Association has stated that there will be a Christmas day level of service for consultants’ industrial action. This means emergency departments will still be open and staffed with consultants, but disruption and longer waits should be expected.

General practice, community pharmacies, and dentistry are open, and the public should continue to access these services as needed on strike days.

Patients are also reminded that if you haven’t been contacted or informed that your planned appointment has been postponed, please attend as normal.

Dr Lalitha Iyer added: "If you are unwell or injured, it’s important to choose the right service to make sure you get the best treatment as quickly as possible.

“Your General Practice and local pharmacies are open during the period of the strike, so please continue to use these services as normal. If you are unsure of what service to choose, visit NHS 111 online https://111.nhs.uk . It includes a symptom checker and can connect you to a nurse, emergency dentist, pharmacist or book you into the local Minor Injuries Unit in Bracknell or A&E department if your condition is more serious.

“As well as being booked in via NHS 111 to the Minor Injury Unit you can also walk in for things such as sprains and strains, suspected broken limbs, minor head injuries and minor scalds and burns. The service is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. X-ray services are available Sundays to Fridays.

“If your child is unwell, and you’re not sure where the best place to go for advice is, visit the NHS Frimley Healthier Together website or download the app. Designed by local experts, it provides support to parents and carers to help them manage a range of common childhood illnesses."

More details at https://frimley-healthiertogether.nhs.uk/

Further coordinated Junior Doctor and Consultants Industrial Action is planned for early October across three days (2-4 October), as well as action by the Society of Radiographers.