Frimley to continue as many planned care services 'as possible' during national strike

Frimley is aiming to continue as many of its appointments, tests and outpatient treatments as possible during the current five-day resident doctor strike. 

The British Medical Association (BMA) confirmed on Monday that the impending strike action over a national dispute about pay and conditions would go ahead, after the latest pay offer way rejected by the trade union and body for doctors in the UK. 

On Monday, December 8, health secretary Wes Streeting gave an offer in writing to the BMA’s resident doctors committee.

However, the offer was rejected, with 82.3 per cent of members voting to continue with the strike action. 

The Government said that following an average pay rise of 28.9 per cent over the past three years for resident doctors, it ‘cannot go further on pay this year’.

The industrial action started on Wednesday, December 17 at 7am and will conclude on Monday, December 22 at 7am.

Frimley NHS Foundation Trust said it is aiming to run as many of its planned care services as possible.

This includes outpatient treatments, appointments and tests.

Patients are asked to attend appointments as usual unless they hear directly from Frimley.

Due to ‘very high’ levels of flu in communities and hospitals, all visitors and patients are asked to wear a mask on wards and in clinical and waiting areas.

In a statement, the Trust added: “It is safe to visit but please do not come to the hospital if you are feeling unwell or have experienced diarrhoea or vomiting in the past 48 hours.”

For non-life-threatening care, the public is being directed to NHS 111, online or the NHS App, while 999 remains reserved for serious injuries.