Industrial action taking place from 17 to 22 December

Important information for patients about the resident doctor industrial action

The British Medical Association (BMA) has confirmed that resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, will take part in industrial action from 7am on Wednesday 17 December to 7am on Monday 22 December.

The industrial action will impact services. This includes services provided by The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, The Robert Jones and Agnus Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust, Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and Primary Care.

If you have an appointment on the industrial action days, please assume this is taking place unless you have been told otherwise.

Helping us manage demand

As always, if you need medical advice but it’s not an emergency, please ‘Think Which Service’ to get the care you need.

You could:

1. Call NHS 111, visit the NHS 111 website or use the NHS App, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To find out:
2. •    Where to get help for your symptoms
   •    How to find general health information and advice
   •    Where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
   •    How to get a repeat prescription
   •    How to get an emergency dental appointment

If needed, NHS 111 can also arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic or an appointment at the most appropriate local service including local pharmacies, urgent treatment centres, GP practices or A&E.

1. Make an appointment with your GP
2. Go to a local pharmacist
3. Self-care. Patients are encouraged to:

• • Order repeat prescriptions in advance via NHS App, GP website, or practice.
  • Keep a fully stocked first aid kit
  • Check in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.

More information about when to call 999 and when to go to A&E is available via the national NHS website, or alternatively for local information please visit, visit: www.thinkwhichservice.co.uk