Local NHS leaders across Hertfordshire and west Essex are appealing for the public’s support as they deal with a period of strike action by junior doctors.
The industrial action started at 7am on Thursday 27 June and ends at 7am on Tuesday 2 July which will cause significant disruption to local services.
To prioritise life-saving emergency treatment, hospitals may have to postpone some non-urgent operations, treatments and routine appointments. Anyone whose treatment is going to be cancelled will be contacted directly.
If you come to A&E with a minor condition or illness during the strike, you are likely to face a very long wait and may be sent away to an alternative service.
The emergency department is always there for people with serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies, like heart attacks, strokes, or breathing difficulties, so in a genuine medical emergency call 999.
General Practice services will be open on as normal Monday – Friday with some bookable weekend appointments so please contact your surgery as usual on their online form on their website. Please contact them first if you have a health condition that needs checking or an illness that won’t go away.
If you need urgent health help, use NHS 111 online (www.111.nhs.uk) or call 111. NHS 111 can also book an appointment for you in some services like urgent treatment centres or for a GP appointment out of hours.
If you are in a mental health crisis, call NHS 111 and get straight through to mental health help by selecting option 2.
More information on local health services and self-help advice can be found on our website.