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Industrial action leaves hospital offering Christmas Day level service
19/09/2023
The action is highly likely to have a significant impact on their services
For the first time since hospital doctors began industrial action last year, junior doctors and consultants at the Horton General Hospital will both be taking industrial action at the same time this week.
BMA consultants started a 48 hour walkout at 7 this morning and junior doctors begin a three-day strike from 7am tomorrow.
The service that will be available to patients has been described as similar to that on Christmas Day.
The Oxford University Hospital Trust, which runs the Horton, says the action is highly likely to have a significant impact on their services.
Whilst they will continue to prioritise urgent and emergency care, they have had to reschedule some appointments and planned inpatient and day case procedures. All patients who are affected are being contacted directly.
Anyone who has not heard from them by the day of their appointment should attend their procedure or appointment as planned.
Sara Randall, Chief Operating Officer at OUH, said: “This upcoming industrial action is unprecedented in that there will be a crossover point where consultants and junior doctors are on strike at the same time. We have been working with our staff and union partners to ensure the safety of our patients, and the wellbeing of our staff.
“Our urgent and emergency care services are highly likely to be affected by the upcoming industrial action in terms of waiting times, in particular our Emergency Departments at the John Radcliffe and Horton General Hospitals. Our Emergency Department colleagues are working exceptionally hard and have to prioritise patients who genuinely need emergency, life-saving care.
“If your condition is less serious, you are likely to face a very long wait, or be asked to find help elsewhere – whether that be your local Pharmacy, Minor Injuries Unit, or GP. If you don’t know where to get support, contact NHS 111 who can provide advice and direct you to the best place for the care you need.
“As always, our priority is to continue to provide safe care for our patients. Anyone with a rescheduled appointment will be rebooked to the earliest possible date.
“Finally, I would like to add that our staff are working extremely hard during a very challenging time – please do treat them with respect.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam