Date published: 27 April 2023
*Updated on 1 May at 11:30am
Local services across Cheshire and Merseyside are expected to suffer a "significant impact" during the 24-hour strike by Royal College of Nursing (RCN) members over the Bank Holiday weekend
The RCN plan to join strike action from 8pm this Sunday (30 April) until midnight on Bank Holiday Monday (1 May). Unlike previous industrial action, union leaders have confirmed this strike will involve nursing staff working in emergency departments, intensive care units, cancer care and other services that were previously exempt.
Litherland Walk In Centre is open from 12noon until 8pm today (Monday 1 May). However, all of Mersey Care's other Walk In Centres are closed due to the industrial action. They will reopen as normal at 8am on Tuesday 2 May. Members of the public are advised to firstly contact NHS 111 Online should they need treatment.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Medical Director, Prof Rowan Pritchard-Jones said: “There's likely to be significant impact on local services during this period of NHS industrial action. Patients may need to wait longer to be seen as those in greatest need will be prioritised.
“In the event of a life or limb threatening emergency you should always call 999 or attend A&E. If, however, you are unsure, or your health issue is less urgent, please use the NHS 111 Online service which will take you through a symptom checker and offer advice. Many high street pharmacies will also be open throughout the bank holiday weekend.”
The NHS will continue to deliver planned care where possible, especially for patients in greatest clinical need, and the public are advised to attend any planned appointments unless contacted directly by the NHS to reschedule.
Mersey Care will update via their website and social media channels to provide up to date information to the public about local service disruption – so please check before you travel.
NHS 111 Online can tell you:
- 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
More information about when to call 999 and when to go to A&E is available via the national NHS website.
Up to date information about our services can be found on this website or on our social media channels - just search for 'Mersey Care' on your chosen platform.