Effect of doctors' strike in East Lancashire will be 'minimal' (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Effect of doctors' strike in East Lancashire will be 'minimal'
11:25am Wednesday 20th June 2012 in Health
ONLY “minimal disruption” will be caused by a national doctors’ strike on Thursday, claim East Lancashire health chiefs.
Doctors who are members of the British Medical Association at GP surgeries and at hospitals across the area are set to walk out over pension deals.
But it is expected to be “business as usual” at the Emergency Department and Urgent Care Centre at Royal Blackburn Hospital, the Urgent Care Centre at Burnley General Hospital and the Minor Injuries Unit at Accrington Victoria Hospital.
Patients who have a scheduled diagnostic or outpatient appointment for Thursday at any of East Lancashire Hospital NHS Trust’s community sites should also attend as normal.
GPs are not obliged to state whether they are taking action, but all surgeries will be open and doctors who participate in industrial action have pledged to continue duties that are necessary for the safe continuance of clinical services on the day of action.
Patients are advised that anyone who needs a routine appointment from their GP to plan ahead and arrange to see their doctor or collect a repeat prescription either before or after Thursday.
Call the new 111 telephone service for further advice.