Junior Doctors strike - patient information

Advice and Information - 3 January 2024

Support and information for patients during the Junior Doctors strikes
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Key information and messages from Sussex Health and Care:

  • Efforts are underway to make sure people who need urgent medical help and support can receive the care they need during the winter.
  • All health and care partners in Sussex have been working together since September to develop a robust winter plan which ensures services remain safe, and local people can continue to access the best possible care as quickly as possible over the winter months.
  • However, now additional action is needed to prepare the local NHS for the increased pressure expected to be seen on services over the next week, especially with expected industrial action. Read the full story on our website.
  • The next action will take place over six days, from 7am, Wednesday, 3 January until 7am on Tuesday, 9 January.
  • People are being urged to continue to support the NHS during the strike days by using the right health service to meet their needs. Read more advice on our website here, and help to ensure emergency care is available for those in most need.
  • Some planned appointments and clinics are likely to be affected, however, people should still continue to attend their appointments unless they are contacted directly by the NHS.
  • Patients do not need to contact their NHS service or team in advance, the team will contact patients directly if an appointment needs to be rescheduled.

People can help by:

  • Choose the most appropriate NHS service for your needs and only use 999 and A&E or Emergency Departments for serious or life-threatening emergencies.
  • Make sure you have ordered your repeat prescriptions in advance, by using the NHS app, or via your GP. Please plan for the bank holidays and make sure you have enough of your medication.
  • Use NHS 111 first either online or by phone for anything that isn’t a life-saving emergency.
  • Know it may take longer than expected to be seen and treated for those patients who attend emergency departments, but do not have time-critical or life-threatening conditions. Please continue to be kind and patient to hard-working and busy staff.
  • Collect family and friends from hospital as soon as they are ready to be discharged.
  • Stay away from hospitals if showing the symptoms of flu or COVID-19 (or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive) unless it is an emergency.

Useful links and messages: