Date published: 3 January 2024
New Year disruption is expected for Cheshire and Merseyside residents as junior doctors begin the second stage of their longest ever period of industrial action.
The British Medical Association (BMA) have already conducted a 72-hour walkout before Christmas and plan further industrial action between 7am on Wednesday 3 January to 7am on Tuesday 9 January.
Anyone with non-emergency healthcare needs should use NHS 111 and to support the safe and timely discharge of loved ones who are ready to leave hospital, but the latest series of strikes are expected to cause serious disruption to services.
“Health and care services across Cheshire and Merseyside are already under winter pressure,” said NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Deputy Medical Director, Dr Fiona Lemmens. “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 – and at this time of year – will lead to significant service disruption.
"Everyone 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 they are urging the public to attend any planned appointments unless contacted directly by the NHS to reschedule.
Mersey Care will be using this websites and our social media channels to provide up-to-date information 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.
