Devon hospitals grapple with ongoing pressure despite strikes ending

Devon residents have been urged to assist the county’s NHS in recovering from the longest-ever period of strike action by choosing the appropriate healthcare services, as hospitals across Plymouth, Exeter, Torbay and Barnstaple continue to face severe pressures this week.

Although the junior doctors’ industrial action concluded at 7am on Tuesday (January 9), all main hospitals are expected to remain under significant strain.

The prolonged strike has led to the continued closure of certain hospital wards in Devon to prevent the spread of winter illnesses. This further strains capacity during an already exceptionally busy period for healthcare providers. In light of this, people are encouraged to play their part by adopting the following measures:

        •       Call 999 in emergency and life-threatening cases.
        •       Utilise NHS 111 online or call 111 for medical help or advice, especially if unsure about the need to visit a hospital.
        •       Check local hospital trust websites for information on Minor Injury Units and Urgent Treatment Centres.
        •       Take simple steps during cold weather, such as stocking up on medicine, checking on vulnerable family members and neighbours, and picking up loved ones ready for discharge from hospital.
        •       Seek advice from community pharmacies for minor illnesses and medications.

Anthony Fitzgerald, Chief Delivery Officer for NHS Devon, has stressed the importance of choosing the right service for medical needs. He said: “Just because this period of strikes by junior doctors has ended, it doesn’t mean we are back on track - the usual January pressures are still in full force.”

The onset of extremely cold weather has led to the rapid spread of winter illnesses, adding to the challenges faced by healthcare providers.

To prevent the further spread of winter illnesses, people are advised not to visit loved ones in hospitals if displaying symptoms, frequently wash hands with soap and water and stay at home if unwell with a winter bug. The public is also encouraged to get their flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine, with walk-in clinics available across Devon.

While the NHS in Devon has lowered its level of escalation, indicating a slight improvement from last week’s peak, all four acute hospitals in the county remain under significant pressure. Residents are requested to be prepared for potential changes in patient and visitor protocols, such as reduced visiting hours or redirection from emergency departments to more suitable services.

For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, you can visit the NHS UK website.