Industrial action: Our priority is to minimise disruption for our patients

Please use our services as normal and attend appointments as planned, unless contacted.

Strike action by members of the Royal College of Nursing will take place at the Great Western Hospital and across our community services on 20 December.

Our priority is to minimise disruption for patients, and we started planning for industrial action some weeks ago.

Our emergency, urgent care and maternity services remain open as normal, among other essential services.

Unfortunately, we may have to postpone some planned appointments where a safe staffing level cannot be achieved.

Patients will be contacted directly if there is any change to their appointment.

We appreciate that this is frustrating, and we will reschedule appointments as quickly as possible.

There is no need to call to check if your appointment is going ahead. If you do not hear from us, please attend your appointment as planned.

We value the hard work and dedication of all our nursing colleagues and while pay is a matter for Government and trade unions, we know it is an issue of real concern and we want to see a resolution as soon as possible.

If you need medical care

If you need medical care or advice, please call the NHS 111 helpline, or visit NHS 111 Online.

Please contact NHS 111 if:

• You need medical help fast, but it's not a 999 emergency.
• You don't know who to call for medical help or you don't have a GP to call.
• You think you need to go to A&E or another NHS urgent care service; or.
• You require health information or reassurance about what to do next.

Our urgent and emergency services will remain open for those who need urgent care during this period.

We will keep this page updated with the latest information.