People across Cheshire and Merseyside are being urged to use NHS 111 for all non-emergency healthcare needs ahead of planned industrial action by resident doctors (previously known as junior doctors) and the busy Christmas period.
Unions announced a full walkout of resident doctors from 7am on Wednesday 17 December to 7am on Monday 22 December.
Strike action will create significant challenges for the NHS with staff already managing increase demand for urgent and emergency care, during what is an incredibly challenging winter and our busiest time of year.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Medical Director, Professor Rowan Pritchard Jones, is urging people to use NHS 111 for all non-emergency healthcare needs and to support the safe and timely discharge of loved ones who are ready to leave hospital.
“With this being our busiest time of the year, we’re asking for the public’s support in continuing to use NHS services appropriately. The NHS has tried and tested plans in place to mitigate risks to patient safety and manage any disruption, including industrial action, but inevitably a walkout on this scale will lead to 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. But 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”.
The NHS will continue to deliver planned care where possible, especially for patients in greatest clinical need, and we would urge 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.
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.
More information about when to call 999 and when to go to A&E is available via the national NHS website.
The British Medical Association (BMA) has said it will consult its members on whether the scheduled Industrial Action will go ahead, following talks with Government.
Prepare for Christmas
In the build up to Christmas, people are also being urged to remember the important steps they can take to prepare for the busy festive period.
Repeat prescriptions should be ordered by Monday 15 December to guarantee that they are available in time for the Christmas holiday period.
Using the NHS App to order regular medications is the quickest and easiest way to order a repeat prescription – and doing it online yourself also puts you in better control of your own health.
The NHS is working hard to ensure all patients who are fit to return home from hospital can do so safely. If you have a loved one who is ready to be discharged from hospital, you can assist by helping to get them home as soon as practically possible.
Hospitals are seeing a high number of patients needing hospital care with viruses such as flu and COVID. People can help the NHS by ensuring them and their families are protected with winter vaccines. Vaccines are safe, effective and are our best defence against viruses this winter. People can check if they’re eligible and book vaccines on the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well/.