Patients asked to play their part as hospital doctors begin 5-day strike

Hospital chiefs in South Tyneside are calling on people to do their bit in supporting the NHS as resident doctors begin a five-day strike.

- by Tom Patterson

The call comes as resident doctors were due to stay away from the wards from 7am this morning until 7am on Monday.

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust (STSFT) - which runs South Tyneside District Hospital - says patients can play a key role as it deals with the effects of the action and a fast rising number of flu cases.

It says plans are in place to deal with the action - which is taking place at the busiest time of the year - with hospital and community teams prepared for the increased pressure on services.

The Trust says plans are also in place to make sure care is safely delivered during the period of strike action.

It is also calling on people to help reduce the pressure on accident and emergency units - during the doctors' strike and through the whole festive period.