People across Cheshire and Merseyside are being urged to use NHS 111 or the NHS App for all non-emergency healthcare needs ahead of industrial action by resident doctors (previously known as junior doctors).
Unions have announced a six-day walkout of resident doctors from Tuesday, 7 April to Monday, 13 April 2026.
The planned walkout will create significant challenges for the NHS, with staff already managing increased service demand across a busy Easter Bank Holiday weekend comprising a number of major events – including the Grand National.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Executive Clinical Director, Dr Fiona Lemmens, is urging people to use NHS 111 or the NHS App for non-emergency healthcare needs.
“We’re asking for the public’s support by urging people to continue using NHS services appropriately,” she said. “The NHS has tried and tested plans in place to mitigate risks to patient safety and manage industrial action – but inevitably a walkout on this scale will lead to some service disruption.
“You should still call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency where 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 or the NHS App to get assessed and directed to the right place for you.”
Almost half of all hospital doctors are resident doctors. You will see resident doctors working in almost every part of a busy hospital, including A&E where they diagnose and treat emergencies, and in theatres where they may put you under anaesthetic and carry out surgical procedures. Resident doctors also write prescriptions, support the process of admission and discharge, maintain the flow of patients through the hospital and ensure beds are available for those who need them the most.
NHS 111 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, a call back can also be arranged 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.
Dr Lemmens added: “The NHS is also working hard to minimise the impact on planned care. Please 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.”