An update on industrial action at OUH

This article is from Monday 19 February 2024 – the situation may change with time.

People in Oxfordshire are being urged to choose services appropriately during this month’s period of industrial action, which will cause significant disruption at our hospitals.

Junior doctors – including those at OUH – are taking industrial action from 7am on Saturday 24 February until midnight on Wednesday 28 February.

Disruption is expected to patient appointments and waiting times at our Emergency Departments during this period, as well as before and after the days of industrial action.

Although we will continue to provide urgent and emergency care wherever possible, we have had to reschedule some appointments and elective (planned) inpatient and day case procedures across our four hospitals in Oxford and Banbury to ensure we keep our patients who are currently in hospital safe.

All patients who are affected are being contacted directly. We never take this decision lightly, and we appreciate and thank you for your co-operation. Anyone with a rescheduled appointment will be rebooked to the earliest possible date.

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 cancer and dialysis patients, and those who have already waited a long time for their treatment.

People can take simple steps to help ensure care is available to patients who need it most by using NHS 111 online, a local Pharmacy, Minor Injuries Unit or GP for all non-emergency healthcare needs.

Sara Randall, Chief Operating Officer at OUH, said: "As always, our priority is to keep patients safe during planned industrial action while delivering the best care possible.

"Our urgent and emergency care services are highly 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.

"It is really important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.

"Our staff are working extremely hard during a very challenging time – please do treat them with respect. There are no excuses for aggressive or abusive behaviour.

"Thank you for your understanding and co-operation during another period of industrial action."