Doctors in Hartlepool pass on first aid skills during NHS strike

Striking junior doctors gathered lots of support and taught life-saving skills to the public in Hartlepool.
Junior doctors in Hartlepool town centre canvassing for support. From left; Alicia Tomkinson, James Dundas, Elizabeth Campy, Leonie Fitzgerald and Claire MillinsJunior doctors in Hartlepool town centre canvassing for support. From left; Alicia Tomkinson, James Dundas, Elizabeth Campy, Leonie Fitzgerald and Claire Millins
Junior doctors in Hartlepool town centre canvassing for support. From left; Alicia Tomkinson, James Dundas, Elizabeth Campy, Leonie Fitzgerald and Claire Millins

A number of medics who work at the University Hospital of North Tees, where most in-patients from Hartlepool are treated, set up stall outside Hartlepool Central Library yesterday afternoon.

They collected dozens of signatures for their petition and also gave first aid demonstrations to passers-by.

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Dr Claire Millins, who works in the accident and emergency department at North Tees, said: “We have had great support from the public in Hartlepool.

“Lots of people have stopped to talk and ask questions about the contract and sign the petition.

“Those of us with skills to teach life support to others have also come here to pass on those skills.”

That included showing members of the public how to perform CPR and how to deal with someone who is choking using child, adult and baby mannequins.

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Members of the public and the Fighting 4 Hartlepool Hospital campaign group helped to collect names on the petition which calls for more doctors, nurses and staff to provide a seven day NHS.

The latest two-day strike against new contracts imposed by the Government ended at 5pm last night.

Dr Millins added: “We feel very strongly about protecting the NHS and providing the best care to our patients.

“It is about ensuring the Government does not stretch an already stretched service even further and remove cover from areas during the week to provide cover over the weekend.

“All junior doctors already work weekends and nights. It is not an issue for us.”