The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is taking strike action at a number of NHS trusts, including North Bristol NHS Trust, where action is due to take place from 7pm on Sunday 30 April 2023 until midnight on Monday 1 May 2023. The industrial action is a national dispute between the Government and Trades Unions about terms and conditions.
The RCN has confirmed that this strike will involve nursing staff working in emergency departments, intensive care units, cancer care and other services that were previously exempt.
Patient safety is our top priority. We have tried and tested plans in place and are committed to keeping disruption caused by the industrial action to a minimum.
Appointments
We’re working hard to prioritise resources to protect emergency treatment, critical care, neonatal care, maternity, and trauma, and ensure we prioritise patients who have waited the longest for elective care and cancer surgery. We will only reschedule appointments and procedures where necessary.
If you have an appointment at our hospitals please attend unless you hear from us. Please don’t call to check if your appointment is going ahead. We will be in touch with patients directly if we need to rearrange an appointment.
Our emergency department (ED)
Our emergency department remains open 24 hours a day if you have a life-threatening emergency.
Please be aware that our hospitals, like the wider NHS and local health and care system, are really busy:
- If you have a minor illness or minor injury, local GP surgeries and pharmacies are open.
- If you have an urgent medical problem that isn’t an emergency and aren’t sure what to do, contact 111 first online or by phone – they will provide immediate medical advice and direct you to the best care for your needs.
Visiting patients
We continue to welcome family members and loved ones to visit patients at our hospitals. You can read our visitor policy here.