The BMA resident doctors (previously known as junior doctors) in England will be taking part in industrial action from Friday (November 14).
Continuous industrial action – day and night – will begin from 7am on Friday 14 November until 6.59am on Wednesday 19 November and many of resident doctors working in East Kent, including QEQM Hospital in Margate, will be taking part.
On the days of industrial action, the hospitals trust will prioritise emergency treatment and patients seeking urgent treatment will be seen.
This means there may be rescheduling for some routine appointments and procedures and patients will be contacted directly to let them know.
If you are seriously ill or injured, or your life is at risk, you should seek emergency care in the usual way. Call 999 or attend the Emergency Department.
If you need urgent medical help or advice (that won’t wait for a GP appointment), or if you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital, go to NHS 111 online first. If you do not have internet access then dial 111 for free from any phone. Please do not turn up to hospital without using 111 first. You can also visit your nearest pharmacy and check pharmacy opening times.
If you need urgent medical attention, but it’s not a life-threatening situation, the urgent treatment centres are open every day of the year for minor illness and injury. You can find out more on the urgent care page.
If you need urgent mental health support, you can get 24/7 access to your local crisis team via Mental Health Helpline for Urgent Help – NHS.
If you have a planned appointment on the days of strike, attend as planned, unless you have been told your appointment is rescheduled.
The BMA, which represents resident doctors, is in dispute with the Government over pay erosion and job shortages.
