Isle Of Wight Residents Urged To Seek Care During NHS Strike

The NHS is urging people on the Isle of Wight not to delay seeking medical help during this week’s resident doctor strikes.

Industrial action is set to begin at 7am on Tuesday 7 April and will run for six days until 6.59am on Monday 13 April.

Health teams are working to minimise disruption, with a focus on keeping essential services running.

Urgent and emergency care, as well as cancer and maternity services, are being prioritised.

The NHS says previous strike action has shown it can maintain the vast majority of services, with almost 95% of planned care going ahead during similar action in December.

However, this latest strike is expected to be particularly challenging due to its timing over the Easter holidays and the short notice period.

Patients are being advised to attend appointments as planned unless they are contacted to rearrange.

GP practices, NHS 111 and urgent and emergency services will remain available throughout the strike period.

Anyone needing urgent but not life-threatening care is encouraged to use NHS 111 online first, while life-threatening emergencies should still be directed to 999 or A&E.

Professor Ramani Moonesinghe, National Clinical Director for Critical and Perioperative Care at NHS England, says staff will be working hard to ensure patient safety.

She said:

“We know this round of industrial action will be difficult, coming straight after the Easter weekend, but patients should come forward as normal and attend any appointments unless they are contacted otherwise.

“The NHS remains open for you this week.”

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting says it is disappointing strikes are going ahead, but reassured patients the NHS will continue to deliver care.

He thanked staff for their efforts, adding that services remained available for those who need them.