As Isle of Wight NHS services head into a very busy weekend (Isle of Wight Festival and hotter weather), the Trust’s medical director is asking for help to keep urgent and emergency care available for people with life threatening illnesses or injuries.
In a dispute over fairer pay and safer conditions, the British Medical Association has announced Junior Doctors will be striking for 72 hours, from 7am on Wednesday 14th June to 7am on Saturday 17th June.
Parker: We are not planning to cancel appointments and procedures
Steve Parker, Medical Director said,
“This next round of industrial action comes at a time when the weather is very hot and when the Island is welcoming large numbers of visitors for the festival. This may cause increased pressure on our services and affect how quickly we can respond to people who need our care.
“We are not planning to cancel appointments and procedures so if you do have an appointment, please attend unless you are contacted to rearrange.
“111/999 will be able to provide advice, so please use this service but do keep in mind that the phone lines are likely to be very busy. Anyone with a non-urgent care need should first visit NHS 111 online.”
Your support needed
IW NHS Trust is asking for everyone’s support with this including local GPs, care homes and Island residents.
Families and friends are being asked to support the NHS by collecting patients from hospital as soon as they are ready to be discharged and to consider offering short term support and care for their loved ones at home.
How you can help
Islanders are being asked to support the NHS by taking care of themselves in hot weather and:
- Consider supporting your friends or family at home if you are able to – there is financial help available
- Applying sunscreen, keeping hydrated and walking in the shade
- Keeping out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
- If undertaking a physical activity, plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening
- Supporting friends, family and neighbours with shopping and collecting prescriptions if needed
- Think about the most appropriate NHS service for your needs and to only call 999 in the event of a life-threatening illness or injury
- Visit NHS 111 online or call NHS 111 for heath advice, or alternatively contact your local pharmacist or GP
Image: © Previous Junior Doctor strike (during colder times) for fairer pay and conditions by Harry Eccles
