Yahoo News Warning Surrey heatwave and junior doctor strikes will bring major NHS disruption
Health services in Surrey already under pressure during the heatwave are set to face “major disruption” as junior doctor go on strike this week, a top doctor has warned. One Surrey Trust highlighted that services face "significant pressure'" and high demand for services.
Dr Richard Jennings, group chief medical officer for St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group, said: “Our hospitals are already very busy, and we can expect to see more people coming to our emergency departments in the coming days because of the hot weather. As has been the case previously, strikes will also impact our services.”
He emphasised: “We’re here for those in need, and when it’s less urgent, services such as NHS 111 online or a pharmacy can help. But there are also things you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe in the heat.”
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The increased demand follows a record-breaking month of A&E attendances in May. People have been advised to stay hydrated, keep to the shade as much as possible, and to wear a hat and sun cream. They should also check in on and support vulnerable and elderly relatives, friends, and neighbours.
A yellow heat health alert was issued by the UK Health Security Agency for the whole of Surrey and the South East. This came into effect on Monday, June 24 and is in place until Thursday evening (June 27).
When do junior doctors go on strike in May 2024?
Industrial action planned by junior doctors will run from 7am on Thursday (June 27) until 7am on Tuesday (July 2). The NHS has advised this will impact most routine care with urgent and emergency care to be prioritised and consultants stepping in to cover for junior doctors, who account for 50 per cent of the medical workforce.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, warned: “This new round of strike action will again hit the NHS very hard, with almost all routine care likely to be affected and services put under significant pressure. While the warmer weather can lead to additional pressure on services at a time when demand for services is already high.”
He added: “As ever, we are working to ensure urgent and emergency care is prioritised for patients, but there is no doubt that it becomes harder each time to bring routine services back on track following strikes, and the cumulative effect for patients, staff, and the NHS as a whole is enormous.”
More than 1.4 million inpatient and outpatient appointments have been rescheduled since strikes began in late 2022, according to the NHS. This includes more than 91,000 appointments that were rescheduled in the most recent action in February.
Around 2.4 million people are reported to have attended A&Es across the country in May. This made it the busiest month on record and followed the busiest ever April for diagnostic activity.
The NHS highlighted that extensive planning and cover arrangements are in place but fears the five days of strikes will cause widespread disruption to routine care and difficulties with discharging patients. The health service has reminded people they should continue to use 999 in life-threatening emergencies and NHS 111 via the app, online, or by phone for other health concerns.
GP services and pharmacies will also remain available and can be accessed in the usual way. People who have not been contacted or informed that planned appointments have been postponed should attend as normal.
The hottest temperatures forecast across Surrey
Dorking
Wednesday, June 26 - 29C
Farnham
Wednesday, June 26 - 29C
Guildford
Wednesday, June 26 - 29C
Horley
Wednesday, June 26 - 28C
Redhill
Wednesday, June 26 - 28C
Staines
Wednesday, June 26 - 29C
Woking
Wednesday, June 26 - 29C
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