GP collective action to take place across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin 

 
With news that General Practice (GP) nationwide are taking collective action from Thursday 1 August 2024, health leaders from across the local health and care system are asking the public to continue to come forward for care as usual. 
 

Although not classed as industrial (strike) action, GP collective action is anticipated to disrupt services within General Practice and across the wider health system, including hospital services and community pharmacy. 

Partners across the Integrated Care System (ICS) are working closely together to manage the situation and respond accordingly. We would like to reassure patients and residents that we will be monitoring the situation closely so that every step can be taken to ensure care continues to be delivered safely and that patient needs continue to be met. 

Important information for all patients: 

As has been shared publicly, patients are advised that General Practices across the county are still open and seeing patients, however some may be directing patients to other local health services. Appointments can still be booked through GP practices and all patients are advised to still attend a scheduled healthcare appointment unless otherwise advised.  
 

We are also asking patients to please continue to use the healthcare service which best suits your needs, including NHS 111 online or call 111 for urgent health advice as normal. More details, that can be shared on patients-facing platforms, are included below.  

To find out which service is right for you, you can also refer to the following guidance for help and advice: Think Which Service.  

If you need urgent medical advice, and it’s not an emergency, please visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 from any landline or mobile phone. For life threatening emergencies, dial 999.  

How you can help the local healthcare system: 
 

• NHS 111 online can tell you where to get help for your symptoms if you’re not sure what to do, how to find general health information and advice, where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine and how to get a repeat prescription. You can also call NHS 111 to speak to a clinician and make bookings for urgent treatment centres and other services. The online and telephone services are available 24/7. 
• Minor Injury Units are here to help with injuries that need attention urgently but are not critical or life threatening, including cuts, sprains, and rashes. The units are staffed by Registered Nurses. There are four Minor Injury Units in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin: 
   

o        Bridgnorth Community Hospital 

o        Ludlow Community Hospital 

o        Whitchurch Community Hospital 

o        Oswestry Health Centre 

• Urgent Treatment Centres treat injuries including sprains, strains, suspected fractures, bites, cuts, scalds, and other non-emergency conditions. Waiting times are usually much shorter than A&E. We have UTCs at both hospital sites (Royal Shrewsbury Hospital and Princess Royal Hospital, Telford) within our Emergency Departments. They are open from 9am - 9pm seven days a week. 
• Anyone who is in mental health distress should call the Mental Health Crisis Line: 0808 196 4501 – the helpline is open 24 hours a day. 
• Community Pharmacists are experts in medicine who can help you with minor health concerns. As qualified healthcare professionals, they can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains. If symptoms suggest it’s something more serious, pharmacists have the right training to make sure you get the help you need and can signpost you to an appropriate NHS service. Find a pharmacy near you: Find a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk) 

Your local pharmacist may also be able to offer treatment and some prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP (this is called Pharmacy First). If you go to a pharmacy with one of these conditions, the pharmacist will offer you advice, treatment or refer you to another healthcare professional if needed. Conditions they can treat as part of this service are: 

·                earache (aged 1 to 17 years) 

·                impetigo (aged 1 year and over) 

·                infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over) 

·                shingles (aged 18 years and over) 

·                sinusitis (aged 12 years and over) 

·                sore throat (aged 5 years and over) 

·                urinary tract infections or UTIs (women aged 16 to 64 years) 

More information on the GP collective action can be found here: GP collective action across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin - NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin (shropshiretelfordandwrekin.nhs.uk)  

The IRP report published in December 2023 highlighted the need for a public information campaign and appropriate signage to be in place to ensure that people know where to go when the HTP is implemented.

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust has received confirmation from NHS England that it supports the recommendation of the IRP and that the name of the 24/7 enhanced urgent care service to be provided at PRH will be an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC).

The HTP Full Business Case is at the final stage of the national approval process. Under these plans, approximately two-thirds of patients who currently attend the Emergency Department at PRH fall into this category and will continue to access the care they need at the UTC at PRH.

Most people who currently attend the Trust’s Emergency Departments at PRH, and Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, need urgent care for non-life-or-limb-threatening conditions and do not need comprehensive emergency care with the backup of specialist teams or hospital admission.

The Trust is committed to continuing to engage with and work closely with its communities, patients and colleagues as it works towards improving care and a more positive experience for everyone.

As the plans progress, and subject to final approval, this activity will increase and the Trust will inform communities on the services available at both hospitals, so that people know where to go to receive the right care at the right time and in the right place.