Severe disruption expected as junior doctors and consultants continue with joint strike action in October

Unions have announced that junior doctors and consultants in England will continue to take joint strike action at the start of October.

The 72-hour strike will take place from 7am on Monday 2nd October to 7am on Thursday 5th October, with junior doctors and consultants providing “Christmas Day” cover throughout, 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: “Our teams continue to work closely with partners to deal with this severe disruption and ensure appropriate plans are enacted prior to the strikes.

“Having come at a time when our services are already very busy, this will see significant disruption to the care we provide.

“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.”

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

Notes for editors

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