Major Disruption Expected Across Kent’s Hospitals and GP Surgeries
Kent and Medway residents should prepare for significant disruption to NHS services due to pre-Christmas junior doctor strikes scheduled for late November. The industrial action will take place on Tuesday 28 November and Wednesday 29 November 2023, with walkouts expected to last the full 24 hours on each day. The strikes are in protest over pay and working conditions, which junior doctors and the British Medical Association (BMA) say have not adequately kept pace with rising inflation and increased workload pressures.
These junior doctors, often referred to as “resident doctors,” are fully qualified doctors undertaking postgraduate training in various medical specialties within NHS hospitals and other healthcare settings. They provide front-line care across Kent’s hospitals and are an essential part of emergency services, inpatient care, and outpatient clinics.
The Direct Impact on Key NHS Services in Kent
Emergency Care and A&E
The strike is expected to put additional pressure on emergency departments at Kent’s main hospitals, including Maidstone Hospital, Tunbridge Wells, Medway Maritime, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Hospital (QEQM) in Margate, William Harvey Hospital in Ashford, and Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford. Patients may encounter longer waiting times for A&E, and emergency departments will focus resources on life-threatening and critical cases only.
GP Appointments and Capacity
GP surgeries across Kent may operate with reduced staff, leading to fewer available appointments and the possibility of cancellations or rescheduling. Routine appointments and check-ups for chronic conditions might be delayed. Patients are advised to check with their GP practice ahead of time to confirm appointments.
Planned Procedures and Consultations
Non-urgent hospital procedures, including elective surgeries, diagnostic tests, and specialist outpatient clinic appointments, are likely to be postponed during the strike period. Hospital trusts are prioritising urgent and emergency care during this time.
Community and Mental Health Services
Some community and mental health services may experience staffing challenges leading to altered or reduced availability. Patients receiving ongoing care should liaise with their providers to understand any changes.
Urgent Advice for Kent Patients During the Strikes
Guidance on Attending Appointments
Patients with pre-booked hospital or GP appointments should wait for direct contact from the NHS or their healthcare provider if any changes are planned. Unless notified otherwise, patients should attend scheduled visits to prevent delays in treatment.
Understanding NHS 111 and 999
NHS 111 (available online and by phone) is recommended for urgent medical advice and care that is not life-threatening. During the strike, it remains the first point of contact for those unsure about the level of care needed. The 999 emergency service should only be used for genuine life-threatening situations, such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or serious accidents.
Alternative Care Options in Kent
Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) and walk-in clinics remain open during the strike and provide treatment for minor illnesses and injuries. Local pharmacies are also a valuable resource for advice and treatment for common ailments like coughs, colds, and minor skin conditions.
NHS Kent and Medway’s Response: Prioritisation and Safety
Dr Kate Langford, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Kent and Medway, has reassuringly stated that patient safety remains the top priority throughout the industrial action. Efforts are being made to ensure critical services such as critical care, maternity units, neonatal care, trauma centres, and emergency surgery continue to operate as fully as possible.
Non-urgent services may be scaled back or delayed to free up resources for high-priority care. NHS Kent and Medway is working with hospital trusts and GP practices to manage available staff and minimise disruption wherever possible.
The Broader Context: Kent’s NHS Already Under Significant Strain
Kent’s hospitals have been facing sustained pressure with record numbers of patients in emergency departments and challenges in patient flow and bed availability. Recent reports have shown that almost one in three A&E patients in Kent experience waits longer than four hours, with occasional ambulance delays and high demand for inpatient beds.
The added strain from the junior doctor strikes comes during the winter months when NHS services typically see increased demand for respiratory illnesses and flu-related complications, compounding existing challenges.
Previous industrial actions have also impacted NHS service delivery, and healthcare leaders emphasise the importance of resolving disputes to safeguard care quality and staff wellbeing.
Why Are Junior Doctors Striking? Understanding Their Perspective
The BMA has called for the strikes in response to what junior doctors describe as inadequate pay that has failed to keep pace with the cost of living, alongside concerns about unsafe staffing levels and poor working conditions. These factors contribute to exhaustion and difficulties in retaining skilled doctors within the NHS.
The doctors’ demands include pay restoration to rates before government-imposed cuts, improved rota planning and working hours, and greater investment in training and support. Negotiations between the government and the BMA have so far failed to reach an agreement, leading to the planned industrial action.
How to Stay Informed About Local Service Changes
Residents are encouraged to monitor official NHS Kent and Medway websites and social media channels for up-to-date information on services during the strike. Local hospital trust websites will also publish announcements on appointment changes and service availability.
KentLocal.co.uk is committed to providing ongoing, reliable updates on the strike’s impact and any developments affecting Kent’s healthcare services.
Conclusion: Preparing for the Strike Period and Beyond
The upcoming junior doctor strikes present a real challenge to Kent’s NHS services. Patients are advised to plan ahead, contact their healthcare providers with any concerns, and seek alternative care options when possible. While the strikes may cause inconvenience and delays, NHS Kent and Medway is prioritising patient safety and emergency care throughout the period.
Staying informed and following the provided guidance will help the people of Kent navigate this disruption with confidence and access the care they need during this difficult time.
