Nuneaton and Bedworth NHS Trust has issued advice to members of the public ahead of next week’s planned walkout by NHS doctors in training. The six-day period of industrial action gets underway on Tuesday 7 April.
The disruption will impact medical services across England. The George Eliot Hospital, which serves people living in Nuneaton, Bedworth, North Warwickshire and parts of the Hinckley area, has published guidance for those with upcoming hospital visits.
Medical managers have urged patients to keep their existing appointment or procedure times unless they have been told specifically that a change has been made.
In a public message, the trust explained that work has been underway to ensure patient safety remains a priority throughout the dispute. Anyone who has not received notification about alterations to their care should attend as originally planned. The hospital will reach out separately if rescheduling becomes necessary.
The trust is also asking people to consider using the most suitable NHS services available, so that those with the most pressing medical requirements can continue to access treatment. This means visiting the 111 website first for health queries and only ringing 999 in genuine emergency situations.
During the period of industrial action, local residents are also being reminded about several important points:
Avoid coming to hospital if suffering from symptoms linked to Norovirus such as vomiting or diarrhoea, or if showing signs of respiratory illness like coughs or colds
Familiarise yourself with alternative NHS options available both during normal working hours and at other times, including Walk-In Centres, Urgent Treatment Centres and local pharmacies. The NHS111 service remains available continuously, providing health advice and signposting either online or by phone
Ensure repeat prescriptions are requested well in advance to avoid running out of regular medication or other essential items
A messaging service on WhatsApp has been launched for the Nuneaton area, providing residents with current information from the trust directly to their smartphones. Further details can be found via the relevant link.