Public urged to use NHS 111 ahead of New Year doctor strikes

Posted on: 29/12/2023 11:22

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside is urging people to use NHS 111 for all non-emergency healthcare needs ahead of six days of industrial action by junior doctors, from 7am Wednesday 3rd to 7am on Tuesday 9th January.

Major disruption
Coming at an already very busy time for the NHS, the strike is expected to cause major disruption.

To support services for hospital patients and emergencies, please use NHS 111 for all non-emergency healthcare needs.

You can find out more about NHS 111 here.

By doing this you will also be helping those ready to leave hospital to be discharged get home for their families, in time for Christmas.

Emergency
Dr Fiona Lemmens, Deputy Medical Director of NHS Cheshire and Merseyside said: “The public’s support during previous periods of industrial action has been invaluable and we are immensely grateful to them for continuing to use NHS services appropriately during these times of pressure.  

“Winter pressures are already having an impact on health and care services across Cheshire and Merseyside. The NHS has tried and tested plans in place to mitigate risks to patient safety and manage any disruption, including industrial action, but inevitably industrial action at this time year will cause significant service disruption.

"You should still call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. If you need urgent medical help and you're not sure where to go, use NHS 111 online to get assessed and directed to the right place for you.

"Hospitals across Cheshire and Merseyside are working extremely hard to ensure all patients who are fit to return home can do so safely. If you have a loved one who is ready to be discharged from hospital, you can help by helping to get them home as soon as practically possible."

Appointments
The NHS will continue to deliver planned care where possible, especially for patients in greatest clinical need, and is urging the public to attend any planned appointments unless contacted directly by the NHS to reschedule.

Local NHS services will be using their websites and social media channels to provide up-to-date information to the public about local service disruption – so please check before you travel.

Almost half of all hospital doctors are junior doctors. You will see junior doctors working in almost every part of a busy hospital, including A&E. They are vital for maintaining the flow of patients through the hospital and ensuring beds are available for those who need them the most.

NHS 111
The NHS 111 service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can call, go online or use the NHS App to find out:

Where to get help for your symptoms
How to find general health information and advice
Where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
How to get a repeat prescription
How to get an emergency dental appointment
If needed, NHS 111 can also arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic or an appointment at the most appropriate local service including local pharmacies, urgent treatment centres, GP practices or A&E.