Industrial action – significant disruption to planned services
Whilst we are working hard to prepare and maintain safe services where we can, we expect major disruption from 7am on Thursday 6 June to 7am on Saturday 8 June and the subsequent days, as we seek to recover from the impact of planned industrial action by Junior Doctors.
Our message to patients and service users is that you should attend your appointment unless you are contacted by the Trust to advise otherwise.
Only come to our Emergency Departments if you have serious symptoms that need hospital care and phone 999 if the patient is acutely unwell. Please be aware that it may be busier and you will have to wait longer. Patients will be seen in order of clinical priority.
There are also significant numbers of patients in beds in our wards who are medically fit for discharge. We are asking for public support to help ensure that the sickest patients get the care they need. It is essential that patients leave hospital when they are discharged by the doctor and that families take their loved one home as soon as they are medically fit.
Our staff will be working under enormous pressure so please understand and be kind to them.
Services continuing:
- The Phone First service will open on Wednesday 22nd May from 9am – 9pm and on Thursday 23rd May from 9am – 9pm. Please phone first before travelling to our EDs with less urgent symptoms. Tel: 0300 123 3 111.
- South Tyrone Minor Injuries Service is open on Wednesday 22nd May and on Thursday 23rd
- Consider if your condition could be treated by your pharmacist or GP. If symptoms cannot wait until your GP reopens, call Out of Hours Tel: 028 3839 9201.
- For help choosing the right service:
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/…/how-use-your-health-services
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/camp…/illnesses-and-conditions
Impacts to services:
- Outpatient Appointments: 152 postponed
- Day cases: 28 postponed
Red flag patients have been re-scheduled to the next available appointment slots.
Any appointments that have been cancelled have or will be rescheduled as soon as feasible.
The safety of our patients and service users remains our priority.
We appeal for public support in ensuring that we are able to care for those who need us most.
Thank you for your continued help and understanding.