Advice for Horsham and Crawley patients as hospital doctors' strike starts
People in Horsham and Crawley are being urged to consider alternative health services to the Emergency Department at East Surrey Hospital as resident doctors join strike action today (Tuesday April 7).
But Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, says that although services are likely to be exceptionally busy, “it’s important that those who need urgent and emergency care should still come forward.”
Doctors who are members of the British Medical Association are expected to continue industrial action from now until 7am on Monday April 13.
A hospital spokesperson said: “Throughout previous strikes, high numbers of patients still attended East Surrey Hospital’s Emergency Department, and with the hospital already experiencing a sustained increase in demand alongside Norovirus cases, it is vital that people choose services wisely to ensure everyone gets the care they need.”
They add: “Utilising alternative services such as NHS 111, walk-in-centres, GP practices, pharmacies, Crawley Urgent Treatment Centre and the Minor Injury Units at Caterham Dene, Horsham and East Grinstead for non-life threatening medical conditions will mean that Emergency Departments are still available for the patients who need it most.
“Please only dial 999 or the East Surrey Emergency Department in a genuine emergency, such as if you are seriously ill or experiencing a life-threatening emergency.”
Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust chief medical officer Ed Cetti said: “With the hospital already experiencing higher levels of demand and cases of Norovirus in recent weeks, and at a time where we are trying to get our patients who are well enough home in a timely manner, we are expecting that our services will be exceptionally busy both during and after this latest period of industrial action.
“While our teams will be working hard around the clock to minimise disruption, continue to care for those who need us and support patients awaiting discharge to ensure people are in the right healthcare setting for their needs, we would be grateful for the support of the local community in utilising other NHS services where their condition is not life-threatening. This will ensure we can care for the most emergent and serious cases.”
The Trust has also advised patients with scheduled appointments between April 7 and April 13 to continue to attend unless they have been informed otherwise.