Public urged to use services wisely during industrial action

Junior doctors will be striking at NHS organisations across England, including at Medway Maritime Hospital, from 7am on Wednesday 3 January to 6.59am on Tuesday 9 January 2024.

Our Emergency Department will be extremely busy during this time and we are sorry that you may experience very long waits.

If you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should come to hospital, visit NHS 111 online for guidance, unless it is a life-threatening emergency when you should still call 999.

GP services and pharmacies are unaffected by the industrial action and remain available for patients in the usual way.

Our priority is to continue to safely care for those who need it during the strike action. To do this, we may need to postpone some non-urgent outpatient and planned procedures. You will be notified directly if your appointment or procedure needs to be rescheduled. If you do not hear from us, please attend your appointment as planned.

Jayne Black, Chief Executive of Medway NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our Emergency Department remains open if you or someone you care for needs urgent medical care, so please do come forward, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases.

“However, we are urging anyone with a non-urgent care need to first seek help from NHS 111 online and only use 999 in a life-threatening emergency.”

Please treat our staff with kindness and respect before, during and after industrial action has taken place.