National industrial action update

Nursing strikes 6 and 7 February 2023

On the 6 and 7 February 2023, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is taking national strike action at a number of NHS trusts, including University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW). The industrial action is a national dispute between the Government and Trades Unions about terms and conditions.

Patient safety is our top priority. We have tried and tested plans in place to keep everyone safe and keep disruption caused by the industrial action to a minimum.

Appointments

If you have an appointment on 6 or 7 February, please attend your appointment unless you hear from us. Please don't call to check if your appointment is going ahead. We will be in touch with patients directly if we need to rearrange your appointment.

Our emergency department (ED)

Our urgent emergency services are continuing to run throughout the industrial action. If you have a life-threatening emergency our emergency department remains open 24 hours a day.

Please be aware, that like the wider NHS and local health and care system, all of our hospitals are facing record demand:

• If you have a minor illness or minor injury, local GP surgeries and pharmacies will be open during the days of industrial action.
• If you have an urgent medical problem that isn't an emergency and aren't sure what to do, contact 111 first by phone or online - they will provide immediate medical advice and direct you to the best care for your needs.

For more information on when to call 999 and information on when to go to A&E, you can visit the NHS UK website.

Maternity care

Maternity care is not affected by strike action taking place.

All maternity services will be running as planned. If you have an outpatient maternity appointment on the 6 or 7 February please attend as normal – there is no need to contact us to check.

Visiting patients

We continue to welcome family members and loved ones to visit patients at our hospitals during strike action. Please click here for our visiting guidance.

Ambulance strike action 10 February 2023

The ambulance services’ next planned industrial action is on Friday 10 February. 

No-one should put off seeking urgent or emergency care during the strikes and people with serious, life-threatening conditions will continue to be seen at our Emergency Departments.

However, please keep 999 and A&E clear for genuine life-threatening emergencies, and use NHS 111 online or by phone for other urgent care needs. If you are contacting 111, please give as much information as you can, as that will help you get the right support and advice.

On days when there is strike action, people should only call 999 if it is a medical or mental health emergency. Ambulances will still respond in these situations, but this may only be where there is an immediate risk to life.

There will be fewer ambulances on the roads during industrial action, with the NHS prioritising those with life-threatening needs. As a result, patients whose conditions are not life-threatening are unlikely to get an ambulance on strike days.

Patients should take advice from 111 / 999 call-handlers on whether there are circumstances where it is suitable for them to make their own way to hospital

The NHS is also asking the public to play their part by taking simple steps during industrial action to look after themselves, loved ones and checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.

You can find detailed information on the Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB website about local services and how to use them, including community pharmacies which can help with a wide range of minor health issues and advise if another NHS service is needed.

For more information

Visit the NHS England website for further information about the strikes including answers to Frequently Asked Questions.