Plans in place to minimise impact of industrial action by junior doctors

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust is preparing for industrial action by postgraduate doctors between 7am on Wednesday 20th December and 7am on Saturday 23^rd December.

As this is happening at what is already one of the busiest times of the year for the NHS, we have been working hard to minimise the impact but expect there will be some unavoidable disruption. 

Members of the public are asked to help us by ensuring they choose the right healthcare service for their needs.

If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned. The Trust will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled.

Urgent and emergency services will continue to be provided, although the NHS is asking patients to 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.

Jo Lydon, Deputy Chief Operating Officer at UHCW NHS Trust, said: “Our staff are working hard to provide patients with the best possible care during what is already a busy period.

“It is really important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases. However, if it is non-life threatening, please think about which is the most appropriate service for your needs.

“People can also play their part by checking in on vulnerable relatives and neighbours. Thank you for your ongoing patience and support.”

Postgraduate doctors, often referred to as junior doctors, have anywhere up to eight years' experience.

Consultants and specialist doctors will still be working and GP practices will continue to be open.

For support and advice on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, please click on the relevant links.