Unions have announced that junior doctors and consultants in England will take joint strike action for the first time later this month.
Hospital consultants will begin a 48-hour strike from 7am on 19th September to 7am on 21st September, with junior doctors striking from 7am on 20th September until 7am on 23rd September.
During the joint strike action on Wednesday 20th September, junior doctors and consultants will provide “Christmas Day” cover, meaning emergency services will remain.
As a result, significant service disruption is highly likely across all East Cheshire NHS Trust sites including Macclesfield, Knutsford and Congleton hospitals.
As with previous strikes we urge our public to be mindful about visiting the Emergency Department and only attend in the event of an emergency.
Dr John Hunter, Medical Director for East Cheshire NHS Trust said: “Wednesday 20th September is the first day that we will see consultant and junior doctors strike at the same time.
“Due to the unprecedented position we find ourselves in, the Trust is planning to step down non-urgent care in order to prioritise patients who require emergency treatment.
“Planned and routine appointments will be rescheduled where necessary. If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned.”
Unions have also announced further joint strike action from the 2nd – 5th October 2023.
The NHS is asking patients to choose services appropriately during industrial action and take simple steps to help ensure care is available to patients who need it most. This includes using 111 online as the first port of call for health needs, and only using 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency.
GP practices will continue to be open during the junior doctors and consultants strikes. Please continue to attend your GP and dental appointments, unless you are contacted and told otherwise.
ENDS
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