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BMA junior doctor industrial action: 27 June to 2 July
The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced its junior doctor members will strike from 7am on Thursday, 27 June till 7am on Tuesday, 2 July 2024.
This means that during this period, junior doctors will be striking at the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. This is part of an ongoing dispute between BMA junior doctors and the government.
Throughout this period of industrial action, our key focus will be on providing safe care for patients who need urgent and emergency services, and those receiving care whilst staying in our hospitals.
What if I have an appointment or procedure on a strike day?
We may have to postpone your scheduled appointment or procedure. Should it need to be postponed, we will contact you directly. If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as normal.
Please be patient with us whilst we work to recover our services – we will be in touch with you.
If your appointment has been postponed and you were due to come into hospital using patient transport ambulance services, please let them know.
Will emergency care be affected on strike days?
Our accident and emergency department will be open throughout the strike period and emergency care will continue to be available across all parts of the country. However, we anticipate we will be very busy.
It is really important that in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or their life is at risk - patients continue to come forward as normal.
As always, we encourage you to think about which is the most appropriate service for your needs. There are a range of options to help you, such as your local pharmacy, the NHS 111 service or your GP.
Will maternity services be affected through the strike period?
All time critical maternity services will continue and if you need emergency maternity care during the strike period, then please contact our maternity services on 01284 713278 or dial 999.
Some routine appointments/procedures will need to be postponed. We will contact you directly if you are affected.
Will GP services be affected through the strike period?
GP services will continue running as per their usual schedule during this strike period. Please continue to attend scheduled GP appointments.
Is there anything I should do now?
We will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.
Ensure you have enough of any prescribed medications. You can order repeat prescriptions via the NHS App, through your GP practice website, or if you do not have access to GP online services, by calling your GP practice.
Check your stock of first aid supplies at home to make sure you have enough. To find what you need, the St John Ambulance website has a helpful guide.
Is there anything I should do during the strike period?
It is important that you take steps to keep yourself and others safe during this time, and check in on any vulnerable family members, loved ones or neighbours.
Thank you for your patience and understanding over this period.
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