Use NHS wisely over Easter and strike, Trust says

People in the South East are being urged to plan ahead with their healthcare in order to mitigate disruption around Easter.

Over 13,000 calls are expected to South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) during the long bank holiday weekend from 3-6 April, alongside 18,000 calls to the NHS's 111 service.

The warning also comes ahead of a week of disruption expected around planned industrial action by resident doctors from 7-13 April, which NHS Surrey and Sussex says will affect its services.

Simon Clarke, head of service for integrated care at Secamb, said: "Easter is a busy time for our service and our people do a fantastic job helping the many thousands of people who call for assistance."

He added: "By planning ahead, particularly around managing medications and choosing the right service, people can make a real difference."

A Secamb spokesperson urged people to look out for elderly relatives or neighbours, particularly regarding falls.

It also urged residents to use the 111 service when an ambulance was not required, or for advice on which service to use.

Following the Easter weekend, resident doctors from the British Medical Association are set to walk out from 07:00 BST on 7 April to 07:00 on 13 April.

Prof Andrew Rhodes, joint chief medical officer for NHS Sussex and Surrey Heartlands, said: "The NHS has well-established plans in place to ensure that essential services continue during industrial action, but we are likely to see increased pressure across our services.

"With illnesses such as norovirus currently circulating, it is especially important that people make use of the right service at the right time so they can get the help they need."

Patients should also continue to attend appointments unless contacted directly by the NHS, a spokesperson said.

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