Industrial action at OUH

This article is from Monday 24 June 2024 – the situation may change with time.

People in Oxfordshire are being urged to choose services appropriately during the upcoming period of industrial action, which will cause disruption at our hospitals.

Junior doctors – including those at OUH – are taking industrial action from 7am on Thursday 27 June until 7am on Tuesday 2 July. This is part of an ongoing dispute between junior doctors and government.

Disruption is expected to patient appointments and waiting times at our Emergency Departments during this period, as well as the days before and after the industrial action.

Although we will continue to provide urgent and emergency care wherever possible, we have had to reschedule some appointments and elective (planned) inpatient and day case procedures across our four hospitals in Oxford and Banbury to ensure we keep our patients who are currently in hospital safe.

All patients who are affected are being contacted directly. We never take this decision lightly, and we appreciate and thank you for your co-operation. Anyone with a rescheduled appointment will be rebooked to the earliest possible date.

If you have not heard from us by the day of your appointment, please come to your procedure or appointment as planned.

We are doing everything possible to prioritise patients with the highest clinical needs, including cancer and dialysis patients, and those who have already waited a long time for their treatment.

People can take simple steps to help ensure care is available to patients who need it most by using NHS 111 online, a local Pharmacy, Minor Injuries Unit or GP for all non-emergency healthcare needs.

Sara Randall, Chief Operating Officer at OUH, said: "As always, our top priority during this planned industrial action is ensuring patient safety while maintaining the highest standard of care.

"We are committed to keeping disruption to a minimum, and we have measures in place to ensure the safety and welfare of our patients and our staff.

"However, with industrial action reducing the number of junior doctors we have working in our hospitals, there will inevitably be a knock-on effect and patients may experience longer waiting times, particularly in our two Emergency Departments at the John Radcliffe and Horton General hospitals.

"We will prioritise patients who are in genuine need of emergency care. It is important that patients requiring urgent medical care continue to seek help as usual, especially in emergencies and life-threatening situations.

"If your condition is less serious, you will likely face long waits or be directed to other services such as your local pharmacy, Minor Injuries Unit, or GP. If you don't know where to get support, contact NHS 111 who can provide advice and direct you to the best place for the care you need."

Sara added: "Our staff are working extremely hard during this challenging period – please do treat them with respect. There are no excuses for aggressive or abusive behaviour. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during another period of industrial action."