As a result of the proposed industrial action all patients who need urgent or emergency treatment will receive this on the day. This will include all inpatient and outpatient cancer treatment. Inpatients will receive their normal level of care.
In order to minimise disruption on the day, the Trust has also taken the decision to reschedule some routine outpatient appointments and operations planned for June 21 and has contacted patients who are affected by the change.
Industrial action by doctors follows a national ballot of its members by the British Medical Association last month.
Dr Steve Cockroft, Consultant Anaesthetist said: “While there has been a national decision to take industrial action we want to reassure people that doctors at Salisbury District Hospital will continue to provide urgent treatment where it is needed and a safe level of service for all patients.”
Peter Hill, Chief Operating Officer said: “ At the moment we do not know exactly what impact industrial action will have on this hospital. However, we feel it’s important that we do what we can to keep disruption to a minimum for our patients and the potential for last minute cancellations.”
“We will be putting in place a number of measures that we used effectively during the day of action last November. This includes the rescheduling of some non urgent operations and outpatient appointments. We have also moved our July staff training day to June 21, which will give us additional spaces for some of this work.”
For further information please contact:
Patrick Butler
Public Relations Manager
Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust.
Tel: 01722 425170