Bitter pill as Shropshire doctors join strike

Disruption will hit patients at health centres and doctors surgeries across Shropshire tomorrow as part of nationwide strikes by doctors.

Letters have been sent to patients warning them of cancelled hospital appointments and more than a dozen surgeries in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin will have staff walking out.

Patients will still be able to get urgent advice from all GP surgeries, but those affected are expected to accept only pre-booked, urgent or emergency appointments.

Shropshire County Primary Care Trust and NHS Telford and Wrekin have confirmed that 20 per cent of surgeries in Shropshire face disruption, with 32 per cent in Telford & Wrekin.

But of the 16 practices taking industrial action, none would be closed completely and the PCT claimed the strikes would not cause 'major disruption'.

Patients who will be affected have had letters from their GP surgeries in advance of the action.

Across the country, up to 30,000 operations could be cancelled and 58,000 diagnostic tests may be postponed as doctors who are members of the British Medical Association protest at changes to their pensions.

Drayton Medical Practice, in Market Drayton, has rescheduled some appointments as doctors join the action, but GPs will still deal with urgent calls.

Karin Hill, of Shropshire Walk In Health Centre on Monkmoor Road in Shrewsbury, said none of their staff were taking part and they would be able to treat any patients affected elsewhere.

She said: "We'll stay open from 8am until 8pm for registered and non-registered patients. For practices which are disrupted we will be able to see their patients as well."

Andrew Stenton, director of operations at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said he was expecting a 'minimal' impact on services with the 'vast majority' of clinics open as planned.