An update on industrial action by consultants at OUH

This article is from Wednesday 19 July 2023 - the situation may change with time.

Following recent industrial action by junior doctors, for the first time hospital consultants – including those at OUH –are taking industrial action from 7am on Thursday 20 July to 7am on Saturday 22 July.

Although we will continue to provide urgent and emergency care we have had to reschedule appointments and elective (planned) inpatient and day case procedures to ensure we keep our patients who are currently in hospital safe.

To help us safely manage the impact of industrial action, some routine and non-urgent appointments and procedures, day surgery and some elective (planned) surgery across our four hospitals in Oxford and Banbury on Thursday 20, Friday 21, and Saturday July have been rescheduled.

Some appointments before and after the days of industrial action may also be affected.

All patients who are affected are being contacted directly. We never take this decision lightly, and thank you for your co-operation.

If you have not heard from us by the day of your appointment, please come to your procedure or appointment as planned.

We are doing everything possible to prioritise patients with the highest clinical needs, including patients who have already waited a long time for their treatment and cancer and dialysis patients.

Sara Randall, Chief Operating Officer at OUH, said: "We recognise and respect the right of our staff to take part in lawful industrial action, and have been working with our staff and union partners over the past months and incidences of industrial action to ensure the safety of our patients, and the wellbeing of our staff.

"Our urgent and emergency care services are likely to be affected by the upcoming industrial action in terms of waiting times. Our Emergency Department colleagues are working exceptionally hard and have to prioritise patients who genuinely need emergency care. If your condition is less serious, you are likely to face a very long wait, or will be asked to find help elsewhere – whether that be your local Pharmacy, Minor Injuries Unit, or GP. If you don’t know where to get support, contact NHS 111 who can provide advice and direct you to the best place for the care you need.

"As always, our priority is to continue to provide safe care for our patients. Anyone with a rescheduled appointment will be rebooked to the earliest possible date.

"Finally, I would like to add that our staff are working extremely hard during a very challenging time – please do treat them with respect. Thank you for your understanding."