An update on industrial action at OUH

This article is from Monday 18 September 2023 - the situation may change with time.

For the first time since the latest set of NHS strikes started last year, junior doctors and consultants – including those at OUH – will be taking industrial action at the same time. This is highly likely to have a significant impact on hospital services.

BMA consultants are taking part in a two-day strike from 7am on Tuesday 19 September to 7am Thursday 21 September. Junior doctors are taking part in a three-day strike from 7am on Wednesday 20 September to 7am on Saturday 23 September.

Although we will continue to prioritise urgent and emergency care, we have had to reschedule some 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 appointments and procedures, day surgery, and some elective (planned) surgery across our four hospitals in Oxford and Banbury on Tuesday 19, Wednesday 20, Thursday 21, Friday 22, and Saturday 23 September 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.

Sara Randall, Chief Operating Officer at OUH, said: "This upcoming industrial action is unprecedented in that there will be a crossover point where consultants and junior doctors are on strike at the same time.  We have been working with our staff and union partners to ensure the safety of our patients, and the wellbeing of our staff.

"Our urgent and emergency care services are highly likely to be affected by the upcoming industrial action in terms of waiting times, in particular our Emergency Departments at the John Radcliffe and Horton General Hospitals.  Our Emergency Department colleagues are working exceptionally hard and have to prioritise patients who genuinely need emergency, life-saving care.

"If your condition is less serious, you are likely to face a very long wait, or 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."

OUH staff have recorded videos asking people to use health services wisely during industrial action.