Published on: 13 December 2023
NHS leaders are urging people to think ahead so they can have a merry – and healthy – Christmas and New Year ahead of industrial action by junior doctors.
The festive time and winter period are always pressured for its services.
In addition to the usual high level of demand, South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust is expecting to see additional pressure on its teams.
The British Medical Association (BMA) has said its junior doctors will take industrial action across a total 216 hours across this month and next.
Its members will strike for three days from 7am on Wednesday, December 20, to 7am Saturday, December 23.
They will then stage another round of action over six days from 7am on Wednesday, January 3, to 7am on Tuesday, January 9.
To help ease the stress on its hospitals and community teams, the Trust is appealing for people to be prepared ahead of the busy period.
Its Emergency Departments will be open around the clock to care for those who are seriously unwell or injured and people are urged to make sure they seek urgent help if they need it.
Dr Shaz Wahid is the Trust’s Executive Medical Director.
He said:
"The lead up to Christmas and then the New Year is always very busy, but this year we are also planning for the industrial action by our junior doctors.
"We are always here to help and will be able to offer safe levels of care, but we will be under more pressure than usual and people may face a longer wait in our Emergency Departments.
"Everyone can play their part by using the right service when they do need us.
"If you do feel unwell during the holiday time, then NHS 111 online is the first place to turn to for advice and support. It can signpost you to the help you need or right place to get treatment.
"In addition to that, it’s worth taking the time to make sure you’ve stocked up your medicine cabinet ready in case you’re not feeling well during the festive break.
"If you’re out at the supermarket doing the Christmas shop, it’s a good idea to get what you need to see you through.
“Anyone who gets regular medications prescribed to them by their GP should also make sure they’ve got enough of what they need to get them through into 2024.
"It’s worth making that check now and putting in a request to your practice if you need to have a supply ready. It can take a couple of days to turn around, so it’s good to be organised so you don’t miss out.
“Our community pharmacies are also excellent at offering help and we have helped share the details about which ones are open and when.
"Lastly, if you do have a bug or think you have the flu, a cold or COVID, think about staying at home and rest if you can, no one wants their loved ones to feel ill and especially not at this time of year."
GP surgeries will be open during the usual working days during the festive period, with patients advised to check with their own practice for operating hours.
Parents, carers and young people can also use the Healthier Together app or website which provides NHS healthcare advice and top tips on a range of child related illnesses along with information on local services.
Public are reminded for everyday illnesses and injury to use the on-line symptom checker available at www.111.nhs.uk, which will re-direct to a health professional if people need to be seen by someone. Also self-care advice is available online from the NHS at www.nhs.uk.
Anyone needing urgent mental health support should continue to seek it via their local Crisis Team. People can put their postcode in here to find their local Crisis line.
Details of pharmacies and their opening times can be found by clicking here.
