An update on industrial action by consultants at OUH
23/08/2023
This article is from Wednesday 23 August 2023 - the situation may change with time.
Hospital consultants – including those at OUH – are taking industrial action from 7am on Thursday 24 August to 7am on Saturday 26 August.
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 activity has been reduced across our hospitals in Oxford and Banbury on Thursday 24, Friday 25, and Saturday 26 August have been rescheduled.
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.
Lisa Glynn, Director of Clinical Services, 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."