Patients have been warned they may have to wait longer for urgent and emergency care when junior doctors strike on Tuesday and Wednesday.
East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust has also cancelled a number of operations and outpatients clinics, which it says will be rescheduled as the doctors plan to strike from 8am to 5pm on both days.
The announcement follows the closure of Accrington Victoria Hospital’s minor injuries unit from Monday, April 25 until Thursday, April 28 at 8am, when it will re-open.
The closure was put in place so staff from the unit can be redeployed to the emergency department and urgent care centres at Royal Blackburn Hospital and Burnley General Hospital, where, trust bosses say, use ‘remains very high’.
Dr Damian Riley, Trust executive medical director, said: “To minimise the impact on the Trust at this very busy time, we would like to remind people not to come to A and E unless it is a real medical emergency. As during previous strikes, consultants will be providing cover on wards and across emergency care but we are likely to be very busy. There are lots of other options of where you can go for medical advice and treatment such as calling 111, visiting the NHS Choices website at nhs.uk or seeing your GP or pharmacist.
“Patients who require urgent and emergency care will continue to receive the treatment they need, when they need it. However, due to increased pressures on the Trust over this period, those in less urgent need of care may experience longer waiting times than normal.”
Dr Riley added: “In all cases, priority will be given to those with the most pressing health needs to ensure we can continue to provide safe, personal and effective care to all our patients.”
GP practices will open as normal on the strike days.
The British Medical Association is continuing its fight against the government’s plans to force through the changes to junior doctors’ pay and conditions - in particular, weekend work.
If you need non-serious or life-threatening medical help, contact your GP or visit your pharmacist. The Urgent Care Centre at Burnley and the Minor Injuries Unit at Rossendale remain open as does Accrington Victoria Hospital’s walk-in centre and other walk-in and primary care centres across the area. Those unsure where to go should call 111 or visit nhs.co.uk and only come to A and E or call 999 if their condition is serious or life threatening.
