Date published: 20 December 2022
Patients are being asked to consider using NHS services wisely to ensure care is available to those who need it most during the various instances of industrial action.
Mersey Care advises patients to use NHS111 online as a first choice so they can triage health needs and only use 999 in the case of a life-threatening emergency.
Mersey Care's services will not be affected by the planned industrial action on 21 December by GMB, UNISON and UNITE but have previously had to restrict services due to low staff numbers during the two previous days of Royal College of Nursing (RCN) strikes in December.
Industrial action over the last few weeks means all services will be under increased pressure so it's vital patients use services appropriately.
Patients should continue to call 999 if anyone requires life-saving care with ambulance services prioritising the most clinically urgent cases. If it is not life-threatening you may have to wait longer than usual for an ambulance.
General practice, community pharmacies, and dentistry are not impacted by strike action.
The NHS is also asking the public to play their part by taking simple steps during industrial action to look after themselves, loved ones and checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.
People can help by taking sensible measures to keep themselves and others safe during this period by not ending up in A&E – such as drinking responsibly or stocking up on their medication.
Those people who need help from Mersey Care's 24/7 crisis lines can still access them via the numbers below.
