Please be aware there will be potential disruption to services at The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, due to proposed national industrial action by junior doctors on the following dates:
• 8am Wednesday 9 March to 8am Friday 10 March — emergency care only
When there is any risk of industrial action, the clinical teams and managers work closely to plan for every eventuality and ensure that any disruption does not put patient welfare or safety at risk.
Routine hospital appointments or procedures are likely to experience significant disruption or rescheduling in the weeks ahead. Anyone affected will be contacted by the hospital closer to the time of their appointment.
Some hospital outpatient appointments may be cancelled on the dates set out above, as well as most surgery for cases that are not life threatening.
The Trust is reviewing its plans so that emergency care, inpatient care and urgent surgery services can continue to be provided under the leadership of our medical and surgical consultant workforce.
Junior doctors are an important part of The Countess workforce, with approximately 230 working from our Chester and Ellesmere Port hospitals. While the majority are not employed directly by the Trust, hospital clinicians play a key role in supporting their education and professional development after graduating from University.
These contract negotiations are a national issue, however locally the Trust will continue to provide a supportive environment for its junior doctors – looking after both their health and wellbeing and the safety of our patients.
How patients and the public can help ease hospital pressures during the weeks ahead:
• Avoid the hospital on the dates of proposed industrial action unless your illness or injury is an emergency.
• If you have concerns or want to make an enquiry about your appointment on the dates above, please check the contact details on your most recent letter or communication with the hospital for the most appropriate telephone number to call.
• Keep self-care a top priority. Patients with complex or long term medical conditions are urged to make sure they have a supply of medications, to reduce the risk of needing emergency treatment. Contact the local GP with any concerns about routine medication. Do not delay in seeking help.
Other services may be able to assist:
- Your GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 telephone service or the NHS Choices website may be able to help. For more information visit: www.nhs.uk/staywell
- Out of hour Urgent GP care is available in West Cheshire after 6.30pm on weekdays, at weekends and Bank Holidays by telephoning 01244 385300.This service is for those with urgent healthcare needs. If your concern relates to a child under 12, you will always be offered a face-to-face appointment.