Date published: 5 April 2023
Members of the public are being urged to use NHS 111 Online for non-emergency healthcare needs ahead of a challenging week for the NHS with the Easter bank holiday weekend and planned days of industrial action to follow.
The upcoming bank holiday, which traditionally increases the pressure on the NHS, is immediately followed by a four day strike planned by junior doctors from 7am on 11 April to 7am on 15 April. Walk In Centres and Urgent Treatment Centres are also expected to busier than usual during this period.
Those needing healthcare services over that period are being advised to use 111 online, which works the same as over the phone and is already popular with people who want quick advice about the best options for getting the care they need. These can include a call back from a trained clinician or nurse, an appointment in A&E or important advice.
“We expect it to be another extremely busy time for the NHS 111 phone service," explained Prof Rowan Pritchard-Jones, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Medical Director. "We're prepared for this, but callers may wait longer to get through on the phone at the busiest times, so we’d recommend using NHS 111 Online if you can.
“We always receive many calls from people who’ve run out of prescription medication or that need over-the-counter remedies. To avoid this happening, I'd recommend everyone to check you have enough of your prescribed medication and have a stocked medicine cabinet to get you through the holiday and beyond."
Almost half of all hospital doctors in the country are junior doctors but urgent and emergency care services will be open over the bank holiday and the industrial action period and people should always call 999 or attend accident and emergency services in the event of a life or limb threatening emergency.
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.
