Plea for NHS support as resident doctors set to begin strike action

Health leaders are urging people in Bath and the surrounding area to use NHS services wisely as a five-day walkout by resident doctors begins tomorrow, Wednesday 17th December.

Photo courtesy of the RUH

Resident doctors at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, along with colleagues across the country, will begin industrial action at 7am on Wednesday 17th December, with the strike due to end at 7am on Monday 22nd December.

The walkout is expected to cause significant disruption, particularly to pre-planned care such as outpatient appointments and routine surgery.

With hospitals across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire already under traditional winter pressure, local people are being asked to support the NHS by choosing services carefully and managing minor illnesses at home where it is safe to do so.

Gill May, Chief Nursing Officer, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “December is always a challenging time for the NHS, and this latest period of industrial action will only add to the pressure already being felt.

“As we’ve asked before, the support of our public helps to ensure that urgent and emergency care services, such as our A&E departments and ambulance crews, which will be running as normal, remain ready and available for people in genuine need.

“Practising good self-care at home, as well as using community pharmacies and NHS 111 when unsure of how best to manage a condition, can make a real difference during what is expected to be an incredibly busy time for all in the NHS.”

Rising levels of winter flu are adding to the strain, with ward closures and staff absences affecting hospitals in the region.

Mask-wearing has been reintroduced in hospital settings to help reduce the spread of infection, and people who are eligible are being strongly encouraged to take up the offer of a free NHS flu vaccine from pharmacies and GP practices.

This includes over-65s and those with a weakened immune system, with hundreds of appointments still available each week.

Connie Timmins, Lead Nurse for Infection Prevention and Control, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to keep vulnerable people safe, but our hospitals will only feel the impact of increased levels of immunity in a couple of weeks’ time, when the vaccination has had time to fully take effect.

“What makes a real difference right now, however, is for any person who has symptoms of flu, or any other infectious condition, such as norovirus and Covid-19, to stay at home until feeling better, as going out and about – especially to hospitals, GP practices or pharmacies – risks passing the virus on to others, including our frontline health and care teams.”

Advice on managing winter illnesses, including flu, is available 24/7 via NHS 111 online at www.111.nhs.uk.

The service provides guidance on treating symptoms at home, what to do if things get worse and, where needed, directs people to the most appropriate in-person service.

NHS 111 can also help arrange urgent dental appointments for issues such as broken crowns, bleeding gums and persistent toothache.