Members of the British Medical Association (BMA) plan to take industrial action for 24 hours on Thursday 21 June 2012.
Any service users whose appointments have to be rescheduled as a consequence of the day of action are being contacted and offered new appointments.
Not all doctors are taking part in the action. Those who are taking part will be on site to provide urgent or emergency care if needed.
The Trust is working with the BMA and wishes to reassure service users and carers that our priority during this period will be to continue to ensure the welfare and safety of people in our care.
Service users or carers with concerns about the action should call their normal care co-ordinator or the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 073 1778.
This situation is affecting all NHS organisations and the Trust will continue to keep staff, service users and members of the public informed.
Questions and Answers
What will happen if I am due to attend an appointment on 21 June?
Any service users whose appointments have to be rescheduled as a consequence of the day of action are being contacted and offered new appointments.
If my appointment cancelled on 21 June, when will I be re-booked?
Anyone whose appointment has to be rescheduled as a consequence of the BMA day of action will be re-booked as soon as possible.
Will doctors be present at the Trusts sites during the BMA day of action?
Doctors who are taking part will be at their normal workplace and will provide urgent or emergency care if needed. There will be a fully staffed on-call rota as normal.
Who can service users and carers call if they have any concerns or queries regarding their appointment scheduled for 21 June?
Service users or carers with concerns about the action or appointments should call their normal care co-ordinator or the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 073 1778.
What if my prescription is due on 21 June?
Doctors will anticipate the potential impact of the industrial action when issuing prescriptions in the run-up to 21 June. On the day of action, prescriptions may be requested from doctors who will make a judgement as to whether there is an urgent need for a prescription to be issued. If you have concerns that your prescription will run out, contact your care co-ordinator on their usual number.
What is the action all about?
Doctors have taken issue with the Government about how public service pensions are to be dealt with in the future. The action is not directed against this Trust.