Updated guidance for GPs – upcoming resident doctor strike action from the Homerton
Impact of resident doctor industrial action on Homerton Healthcare services
At Homerton Healthcare we are working hard to prepare for the next round of Resident Doctor strike action, taking place from the 7 – 13 of April. Staffing across Homerton Healthcare will be under significant pressure during this period, and impact is likely to continue in the days following the strike, particularly given the Easter bank holiday.
Patient safety remains our top priority and urgent and emergency services will continue to operate throughout.
Overnight GP and Urgent care shifts available this weekend
We have a number of overnight GP and Urgent Care shifts available to be covered this coming weekend. Filling these shifts will help put the Trust in a stronger position ahead of the start of the strike action. If anyone is willing and able to support Urgent Care or GP OOH, please get in touch with Rory Adler rory.adler@nhs.net.
Referrals and access
GP referral calls will continue to be answered by appropriate clinicians as usual.
Please continue to refer patients who require urgent assessment.
Where clinically appropriate, we ask practices to use alternative pathways to help avoid unnecessary attendance at our Emergence Department, which is expected to be extremely pressured.
Our Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) service will continue to operate throughout the strike period, but with reduced capacity. Please refer patients there as you normally would.
Elective and outpatient activity
Some non‑urgent outpatient and elective activity may be reduced or rescheduled. Patients will be contacted directly if their appointment is affected.
Supporting patients
Practices may wish to proactively message their most vulnerable patients to make them aware of the industrial action and bank holiday pressures, and remind them how to seek help if their condition worsens.
We are working closely with system partners across north east London to maintain patient flow and minimise disruption as far as possible.
Thank you for your continued support.
Seán Kelleher | Head of Engagement and Communication
Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust