This is to ensure its accident and emergency department is there for the very sickest patients.
For urgent, but not life-threatening situations, please think NHS 111 first. This is available online 24/7 at 111.nhs.uk and on the phone. If you need urgent care, they will book you in to be seen quickly and safely. This could be with a GP, Urgent Treatment Centre or even at A&E; whatever is the most appropriate care for you.
If you’re unsure which NHS service can help you, NHS 111 can also direct you to the right place.
Minor Injury Units (MIU) and Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC) can help with a range of minor illnesses and injuries such as sprains and strains, broken bones, minor burns and scalds, minor head and eye injuries, bites and stings. See below for opening times and locations. Pharmacies can also help with a range of things including hangovers, hayfever, colds, emergency contraception, and non-prescription medication.
If you are feeling worried about your mental health there are number of services available, from online support at www.keep-your-head.com to Lifeline helpline. If you are in a mental health crisis, please call 111 and select the mental health option for urgent support with trained advisors.
For hospital appointments, it is important for patients to continue to attend as normal, unless they have received a message from the Trust specifically saying it has been postponed.
Chief operating officer of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Nicola Ayton, said: “Our focus during the industrial action is on providing safe care for patients and prioritising resources to protect emergency treatment – this is life and limb-threatening situations, critical care, neonatal care and trauma.
“The public can help us by thinking carefully about which is the most suitable service to meet their needs, to make sure in the event of a serious emergency, we will be there for them.
“Inevitably some appointments will be affected. We know how disappointing and concerning this will be for those waiting for treatment, and we will be re-arranging these appointments as quickly as possible.”
