The NHS In Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West (BOB) is preparing for the effects of further industrial action by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

Nurses belonging to the RCN will be striking from 8pm on Sunday 30 April until 11.59pm on Monday 1 May.

The BOB hospital Trusts affected are:

  • Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust (health and community services)
  • Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation
  • South Central Ambulance Service NHS FT

During its previous strike action, the RCN agreed to provide cover in areas like emergency and critical care, cancer care and kidney dialysis. However, these exemptions have not been made for next week’s strike, so the effect on services may be more severe.

People can help by using 111 online https://111.nhs.uk/ to get the best service for their needs, ensuring prescriptions are up to date and looking out for vulnerable family and friends.

In addition, people should:

  • Continue to come to Emergency Departments and call 999 if they have an emergency or life-threatening need
  • Continue to get GP practice care as normal (when open)
  • Keep hospital and other appointments unless they are contacted by the NHS with alternative arrangements.

Any postponed appointments or procedures resulting from the industrial action will be rebooked as soon as possible.

Rachael Corser, Chief Nursing Officer for BOB NHS INtegrated Care Board, said: "We recognise and respect the right of NHS staff to take part in lawful industrial action, and have been working with our partners to ensure the safety of patients.  

"We hope that everyone is able to enjoy the May Bank Holiday weekend, but we are asking people to be mindful that our services will be additionally stretched during this time, and to enjoy themselves responsibly.

"Please continue to come to Emergency Departments in a life threatening emergency. However, we expect them to be really busy and if your need is not an emergency you will wait a long time to be seen or be redirected to a more appropriate service. NHS 111 online remains the best place to help you get to the part of the NHS that can best respond to your needs.”

Steve McManus, interim chief executive of the BOB NHS, said: “Patient safety is always our top priority, and the NHS across the BOB area is working to ensure we are there for people at their moment of need.  We are grateful to all our colleagues working during this time to keep services running and patients safe.

"We urge our communities to prepare for Bank Holiday weekend by collecting repeat prescriptions in plenty of time and stocking up on essential medicines in advance, and over the bank holiday to look out for vulnerable friends and family.  And please think about which NHS service can best meet your needs.“