Industrial action and local NHS pressures
The NHS in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire is working hard to keep people safe during the planned resident doctors strikes that are due to take place from 7am on Friday 14 November to 7am on Wednesday 19 November.
Please continue to come forward for your appointment as normal for the care you need. You will be contacted directly if your appointment needs to be rearranged. Please don’t call to check if your appointment is going ahead.
People with serious, life-threatening conditions will continue to be seen at our Emergency Departments. Do not put off seeking urgent or emergency care during the strikes.
However, please keep 999 and A&E clear for genuine life-threatening emergencies, and use NHS 111 online or by phone for other urgent care needs or if you’re unsure about whether you should go to hospital. If you are contacting NHS 111, please give as much information as you can, as that will help you get the right support and advice.
People should only call 999 if it is a medical or mental health emergency. Ambulances will still respond in these situations, but this may only be where there is an immediate risk to life.
Less serious calls may not receive a response for the duration of the strike action. Please do not call back asking for an estimated time of arrival of an ambulance. This information cannot be provided and it blocks lines for other callers.
Our website has detailed information on local services including community pharmacies, which can help with a wide range of minor health issues and advise if another NHS service is needed.
You can also visit our Stay Well this Winter page to find out more about keeping well during the colder weather.