Date published: 14 December 2023
Cheshire and Merseyside residents can expect 'significant service disruption' over the festive period as the NHS prepares for industrial action by junior doctors during Christmas and early in the New Year.
A 72-hour walkout will start from 7am on Wednesday 20 December and finish at 7am on Saturday 23 December at 7am - to be quickly followed by six days of further strike action from 7am on Wednesday 3 January to 7am on Tuesday 9 January.
Once again, the NHS is advising using NHS 111 for all non-emergency healthcare needs and to support the safe and timely discharge of loved ones who are ready to leave hospital, but the strikes coming at one of the busiest times for the health service is expected to cause serious disruption.
“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.
“Our local hospitals are working hard to ensure all patients who are fit to return home for Christmas can do so safely. If you have a loved one who is ready to be discharged from hospital, you can assist by helping to get them home as soon as practically possible.”
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.
