Junior doctors began their second day of strike action protesting outside Stevenage’s Lister Hospital at 8am this morning. It follows yesterday’s walk out from 8am to 5pm, in which junior doctors withdrew emergency and critical care for the fist time.
The hospital’s emergency ward, maternity care and critical care units will be covered by senior doctors and consultants during the day.
East and North Herts NHS Trust which runs the hospital, is urging people only to use the hospital’s A&E department if they are critically ill.
Trust chief Nick Carver said: “More than ever, where someone’s life is not in danger but urgent medical attention is needed, people should call NHS 111 first. Its staff will be able to advise about the best services to use locally.
“Please help keep our emergency department at the Lister Hospital free to care for those with life-threatening injuries and illnesses.”
The NHS trust has postponed 900 outpatient appointments and 20 planned surgical procedures at the Lister across the two days.
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