Industrial action and impact on the NHS in south east London
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT) is our only Trust affected by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) strikes, with the next one scheduled for 20 December. The Unison strike will affect London Ambulance Service capacity on 21 December. We expect further strikes dates for January 2023 to be announced shortly.

Patients who need urgent medical care, should continue to go forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases e.g. when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk. On strike days this means calling 999 in these instances, and for non-emergency help using NHS111 online (https://111.nhs.uk/) or calling 111.

Strep A
The NHS says that most cases are mild and easily treatable, but if people are concerned, they should contact NHS services. There is factual, clear clinical information from the NHE here: Strep A - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Vaccinations - protecting local people
Polio booster information is now available in these newly-translated videos in 17 different languages. They cover the importance of vaccinating children against polio.

And, as winter really sets in, there is increased risk from COVID-19 and flu to people over-50 and others including people with a long-term health conditions, pregnant women, and young children. The NHS are seeing cases of flu rising in SE London, including amongst children. Information on vaccinations and where to get them can be found here: www.selondonics.org/yourhealth