NHS expecting extra pressure amid week-long strike

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust is reminding people to use 111 as their first port of call during the strike action

People living in the Black Country are being urged to think carefully about how they access health services during imminent industrial action by junior doctors.

British Medical Association (BMA) members will walk out for five days from 07:00 BST on Thursday as part of their long-running pay dispute with the government.

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust is reminding people that emergency care will be prioritised and for anything that is not life-threatening, people should use 111 online as the first port of call.

Dr Jonathan Odum, group chief medical officer, said: "Ahead of this week's strike action, we are asking patients to use their NHS services wisely and remember Emergency Departments departments and 999 are for life-threatening emergencies only."

Pharmacies, GP appointments, walk-in centres, minor injury units and urgent treatment centres will continue to be available during the strikes and can help people with a range of injuries and illnesses, the trust said.

People with hospital appointments should continue to come forward for the care they need and do not need to call to check if appointments are going ahead.

"The NHS continues to face high demand and staff are working hard to provide patients with the best possible care during what is already a busy period of the summer in the NHS," Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said.

"During the upcoming industrial action, our priority is to continue to provide safe care for those who need it, however, it’s vital that people choose services wisely so that care is available to patients who need it most."

The BMA has said said it was taking action as there had been no credible new offer after fresh talks started in mid-May.

The union has asked for a 35% pay rise to make up for what it says is 15 years of below-inflation pay rises.

Junior doctors received a pay rise averaging nearly 9% in the last financial year.

Speaking last month, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the timing of the strike - a week before the election - "makes it look incredibly political".