1 August 2024

Local people are being asked to make sure they are choosing the right service for the medical help or advice they need as GPs take collective action.

GPs in Hampshire and Isle of Wight will decide if and how they take collective action from today (1st August 2024).

This means that there is likely to be a reduction in the number of GP appointments during this time and services will only be available during core hours. During collective action, practices are still required to be open between 08:00 and 18:30 Monday to Friday.

Services that are available across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight that will not be affected by the collective action include:

  • NHS 111 online
  • Pharmacies
  • Urgent Treatment centres
  • The Healthier Together app
  • Maternity Triage Line
  • Shout text service (Mental health support service)
  • Emergency departments

If you need urgent medical help and it is not a life-threatening emergency, contact 111 first (NHS 111) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A trained advisor will direct you to the most appropriate service for your needs. 

Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC) are open, and they can help with injuries and illnesses that need urgent medical attention but aren’t life threatening. Waiting times can be shorter than at Emergency Departments and the team can also refer or direct you to the most appropriate service for you. Contact 111 first before making your way to the Urgent Treatment Centre at St Mary's Hospital.

Along with minor illness advice and over the counter medicines, pharmacies in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are now able to treat the following seven conditions: shingles, sore throats, infected insect bites, earaches, sinusitis, impetigo and uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI). Further information about the Pharmacy First scheme in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can be found here: Treatment straight from your pharmacy

Our pharmacies, GPs and other services are likely to be busier than usual during this time, so please be kind and respectful to our staff if you have a longer wait than normal. Staff will be working very hard during this busy and unprecedented period.

James Roach, Director of Primary Care Services for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight said: “We are asking you to help your local NHS by taking simple steps during this period of collective action to look after yourselves, your loved ones and to check in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.

“During the days of collective action, we are likely to see a reduction in the number of GP appointments, however no one should be put off seeking urgent care during this time.

“There are a number of alternative services including pharmacies, urgent treatment centres (UTCs), Healthier Together and 111 online. We are also urging you to keep our Emergency Departments free for those who really need emergency and urgent care.

“If you have an appointment during this period then please continue to attend as planned unless you have been contacted to reschedule.

“We are working closely with our partners across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to plan, prepare and mitigate the potential impact and patient care remains our top priority. We are working hard to ensure that we continue to deliver the best level of care possible.”

You can also download the Healthier Together app for advice. The app can help you decide whether you can self-care at home or if you need help, which service is best for the needs of children aged up to 18.

Pregnant people can also use the Healthier Together app to access the Maternity Triage Line to log any maternity concerns they may have. The user’s symptoms and will be assessed on the app and if necessary will be directed to call the Maternity Triage Line.

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health and there are a number of services available for you if you feel that your mental wellbeing is not as good as it could be.  You can call 111 anytime to speak to a mental health advisor, or if you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, anyone in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can text 'HANTS' to 85258 to speak by text with one of Shout's trained volunteers. Shout is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. 

Emergency Departments (EDs) at hospitals are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for serious and life-threatening conditions. If you or someone you know is experience a medical emergency you should call 999 or visit the nearest Emergency Department.