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 Wednesday 17 December until 7am on Monday 22 December.
Our hospitals will be very busy. Please see below for guidance on how to get the help you need.
- 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.
- Choose the right services for your needs:
- Self-care at home by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet with everyday essentials such as pain relief, cold and flu remedies, anti-histamines, diarrhoea relief and a first aid kit.
- Pharmacists provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common health conditions and will be able to help you decide if you need to see a GP or other health service if necessary. Pharmacists can also now supply some prescription medicine without you needing to see a GP.
- GP practices are open as usual for for illnesses and injuries which aren’t life-threatening, but which won’t go away.
- NHS 111 is for people who urgently need medical help or advice for their physical or mental health, but it’s not a life-threatening situation. It’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be accessed online or by phone.
- Minor injuries units and urgent care centres are available at South Bristol Community Hospital, Clevedon and Yate offering treatment of minor injuries such as strains, sprains and broken bones, without a trip to A&E. More information is available on the Sirona care & health website.
- A&E is available for for emergency care throughout the strikes. People with serious, life-threatening conditions will continue to be seen.
Our website has detailed information on local services which can help with a wide range of minor health issues and advise if another NHS service is needed.
Local clinicians are also seeing and treating more people with respiratory conditions, but small steps can have a big impact in reducing the spread. By practising good hygiene, knowing when to stay off work or keep your child off school, and taking up the offer of vaccination, you can help protect yourself and your community this winter.
Five simple steps to reduce the spread of winter illnesses
- Wash your hands regularly for 15-20 seconds with soap and water.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough and sneeze, bin the tissue, and wash your hands.
- Let fresh air in when you can. Even opening windows for a short time can help remove stale air that contains virus particles and prevent the spread of illnesses.
- Tempting as it is to head out or go into the office for work, consider staying at home if you’re feeling unwell – to give yourself time to recover and to prevent passing on germs.
- If eligible, take up the offer of a free NHS flu vaccination.
You can also visit our Stay Well this Winter page to find out more about keeping well during colder weather.
