Update on industrial action at OUH
12 June 2023
This article is from Monday 12 June 2023 - the situation may change with time.
The British Medical Association (BMA) and other unions representing junior doctors are taking industrial action at NHS trusts across England, including at Oxford University Hospitals (OUH), from 7am on Wednesday 14 June to 7am on Saturday 17 June 2023.
We will continue to provide urgent and emergency care but 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 routine and non-urgent appointments and procedures, day surgery and some elective (planned) surgery across our four hospitals in Oxford and Banbury on Wednesday 14, Thursday 15, Friday 16, and Saturday 17 June 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.
Emergency Departments are for genuine emergencies. If you need medical help but it's not urgent, then your local Pharmacy, Minor Injuries Unit, or GP will be best-placed to help. If unsure where to get support, contact NHS 111 who can provide advice and direct you to the best place for the care you need.
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 to ensure the safety of our patients, and the wellbeing of our staff.
"We have tried-and-tested plans in place to minimise the impact of the industrial action on our services, which we have put in place during other times of industrial action throughout this year.
"As always, our priority is to continue to provide safe care for our patients, and anyone with a rescheduled appointment will be rebooked to the earliest possible date.
"Thank you for your continued understanding."
