JUNIOR doctors and consultant doctors in Buckinghamshire are taking part in further industrial action this week.

Starting at 7am on Thursday, July 13th, and lasting until 7am on Tuesday, July 18th, junior doctors who are part of the British Medical Association (BMA) and Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association (HCSA) will be taking industrial action.

This will be followed closely by consultant doctors from 7am on Thursday, July 20th, until 7am on Saturday, July 22nd.

In preparation for these strikes, the NHS is working hard to prioritize resources and protect essential services such as emergency treatment, critical care, neonatal care, maternity, and trauma.

The aim is also to ensure that patients who have been waiting the longest for elective care and cancer surgery are given priority.

During the two days of consultant doctor industrial action, the BMA has advised that consultants will provide ‘Christmas Day’ cover, meaning that all emergency services will continue to be provided, but routine services will be impacted.

To help alleviate the strain on healthcare services, the public is being urged to use the online NHS 111 service to find the most appropriate care for their needs.

It is also important to ensure that prescriptions are up to date and to look out for vulnerable family and friends during this time.

In order to ensure that safe care continues to be available for those in life-threatening situations, NHS staff will be asked to prioritize emergency and urgent care over some routine appointments and procedures.

However, these will only be postponed if absolutely necessary, and alternative dates will be offered as soon as possible.

Dr Nick Broughton, interim chief executive of the NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board, expressed his gratitude for the understanding and cooperation of the public during this challenging period.

He acknowledged the hard work of NHS staff who continue to provide the best possible care under the circumstances.

Dr Rachael de Caux, chief medical officer for the NHS in the region, assured the public that Emergency Departments will continue to operate during the strikes.

She did, however, warn that they are expected to be very busy, and those with non-emergency needs may experience long wait times or be redirected to a more appropriate service.

She emphasized that NHS 111 online is the best resource to help individuals access the appropriate part of the NHS according to their needs.

The public has been reminded to continue accessing GPs as normal, to call 111 for the appropriate service, to ensure that prescriptions are up to date, and to remain vigilant for the well-being of vulnerable family and friends.

It is also important to keep appointments unless otherwise contacted by the NHS with alternative arrangements.