People across Suffolk and north east Essex urged to use NHS services wisely

Health leaders across Suffolk and north east Essex think the hot weather – coupled with the latest round of strike action – will present significant challenges for the NHS this week.

People are being urged to use services wisely to ensure critical NHS services are available for those most in need.  

As part of the latest round of strike action by the British Medical Association, junior doctors are striking until 7am on Saturday 17 June.   

Clinicians say in recent days, there has been an increase in attendances at emergency departments, particularly with people presenting with respiratory conditions because of the hot weather.

Dr Andrew Kelso – the Medical Director of the NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board – said: “It is vital people are aware of the pressure our health system will be under this week.

“If you need urgent medical care during the period of industrial action please come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.  

Nick Hulme is Chief Executive of East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Ipswich and Colchester hospitals.

He said: “Our focus during this time is to protect urgent and emergency services. To make sure we have enough clinical staff to keep these services running, we have had to reschedule some appointments and operations.

“Patients should continue to attend their appointments unless we have been in touch to reschedule. We always try to reschedule these appointments as quickly as possible.

“The trust supports the choices of colleagues around industrial action, whether colleagues decide to take part in strikes or continue working. We know it is not an easy decision for everyone.”

Chief Executive Officer at West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Ewen Cameron, said: “As well as supporting our staff to take action, our other key focus is to maintain patient safety throughout this period of action, and we have tried and tested plans in place to ensure we can deliver safe levels of care.

“Patients whose appointments or procedures will need to be postponed will be contacted directly. If patients with appointments on any of the strike days have not been contacted then please attend as normal. Information can be found on our website at www.wsh.nhs.uk.

“Our emergency department will be open throughout the strike days and we will be here for anyone that needs us. However, we remain busy so if it is not an emergency, we ask patients to consider options such as contacting their GP, contacting 111 via telephone or the internet or visiting a pharmacist.”

Belinda White – Regional Manager of Practice Plus Group which oversees NHS 111 across Suffolk and North East Essex – said: “Throughout the period of industrial action the NHS 111 phone lines are likely to be very busy, we are urging anyone with a non-urgent care need to first seek help from NHS 111 online.”  

Dr Kelso also urged people to take extra of themselves and look out for any vulnerable family members, friends or neighbours during the hot weather.

He added:  “There are many precautions which can be taken to help keep people well during the warm weather to avoid putting pressures on services during the industrial action.   

“To help ease pressure on the NHS during an extremely busy time with the strikes, please also remember to take care of yourself in the hot weather.    

“Applying sunscreen, keeping hydrated and walking in the shade are just a few steps you can take to avoid becoming ill in the sun.  

“We’d advise people to keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm.

“If you are going to do a physical activity, for example exercise or walking the dog, plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening.
“Hot weather can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, lung problems and other diseases.

“People with underlying medical conditions can also be vulnerable to the effects of hot weather.”

General practice, community pharmacies, and dentistry are not impacted by strike action and the public should continue to access these services as needed on strike days.

For more information about staying well, please visit www.sneewellbeing.org.uk