Patients asked to help free up beds during strike

Patients in Warwickshire have been advised to seek alternative care to help free up beds where appropriate during a six day doctors strike.

The strike by British Medical Association (BMA) members began at 07:00 BST on Tuesday, after talks between the government and doctors' union broke down in March.

South Warwickshire University Hospitals Trust asked patients to turn to pharmacies across the region for common conditions, and called on relatives to help others return home from hospital sooner.

"To help us prioritise those in greatest need, we encourage people to use the most appropriate service for their condition," the trust's chief medical officer said.

The trust added many consultants and senior clinicians continued to work during the industrial action and advised patients to continue attending planned appointments.

Dr Ossama Elshukri, resident doctor and BMA committee deputy chair for the West Midlands, said doctors were in a situation where they did not feel like they had another choice.

He said: "We have future GPs and consultants and there's not enough training posts for them to take.

"I have friends and colleagues who are going abroad to work, not because they want to, but they have no option.

"For them to continue working as doctors they have to leave the NHS. When you think of the taxpayers' money that's gone into training them, we aren't seeing that reflection."

Elshukri said while there may be potential upset an anger from the public, the decision had not been an easy one to make.

Naj Rashid, chief medical officer for South Warwickshire Trust and George Eliot Hospital, said the trust's priority was patient safety and ensuring essential services continued to operate.

He said: "We ask for your understanding if waiting times are longer than usual. Our teams will be working hard to care for everyone who needs our support.

"You can support us by helping your relative to return home as soon as they are medically fit."

Patients are advised to bring in clean, comfortable clothing, arrange transport, and ensure homes are warm and stocked with essentials such as medication, food, and water.

He added: "By helping us get your relative home, you help free up a bed for someone who urgently needs our care."

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