Hospital Chiefs Urge Public to Use NHS 111 Online for Non-Urgent Medical Advice
Hospital chiefs in the UK are urging the public to use NHS 111 online for non-urgent medical advice ahead of strike action by resident doctors. The industrial action, which is taking place from Friday, July 25, until Wednesday, July 30, will affect hospitals in Airedale and Bradford, with consultants and speciality doctors working differently to ensure patient safety is maintained.
Key Takeaways:
- The industrial action by resident doctors will reduce the number of doctors available in hospitals, affecting emergency departments and elective care.
- Hospital chiefs are urging the public to only attend A&E if they are seriously unwell or injured.
- NHS 111 online should be used as a first port of call for non-urgent medical advice.
- Some elective care and outpatient appointments will be postponed and rearranged to accommodate emergency care services.
- Patients affected by postponed appointments will be notified separately.
- Consultants and speciality doctors at Airedale Hospital and Bradford Teaching Hospitals will be working differently to maintain patient safety during the strike.
Statistics:
- Industrial action is taking place from 7am on Friday, July 25, until 7am on Wednesday, July 30.
- Appointment cancellations will be rearranged to prioritize emergency care services.
- Hospital chiefs are urging the public to use NHS 111 online for non-urgent medical advice.
- A&E departments are extremely busy and should be reserved for life-threatening injuries or illnesses.
Sources:
- Alistair Shand (no publication date provided)
- Leanne Cooper, chief operating officer at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust
- Saj Azeb, chief operating officer and deputy chief executive at Bradford Teaching Hospitals