Planned strike action in March and mitigating impact on services
Although Royal College of Nursing (RCN) planned industrial action for 1-3 March which involved RCN members at HCT, was put on hold, strike action by other unions throughout March is still planned to go ahead. This may have some impact on patient services and HCT is working closely with our partners to mitigate the impact where possible.
Regardless of any action taking place, if you need care you should continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases, if you are seriously ill or injured, or your life is at risk.
You should go to 111 online (111.nhs.uk) for help and advice, but call 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency
If you have an appointment booked on strike days (as listed below), unless you are contacted by the NHS to reschedule your appointment, you should still attend as planned.
If you have not been contacted, please attend your appointment as normal.
There are a number of dates where industrial action is due to take place in March to be aware of - these could change.
Ambulances:
- Monday 6 March – Midnight to 11:59pm (GMB union only)
- Wednesday 8 March – 10am to 10pm (Unison union)
- Monday 20 March (GMB and Unison)
Junior doctors:
- Monday 13 - Thursday 16 March – 7am to 7am
Not all services will be directly impacted for example services that HCT provides and GP services, but they may be busier than usual. Health services will do their best to provide care under the circumstances.
On days where there is strike action, please only call 999 if it is a medical or mental health emergency (when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk).
Ambulances will still be able to respond in these situations, but this may only be where there is an immediate risk to life.
During strike days, it is likely 999 and 111 call handlers will be very busy. If you have a non-urgent care need, please first seek help from NHS 111 online (111.nhs.uk).
For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, visit the NHS UK website - (nhs.uk)
