Date published: 22 February 2024
NHS chiefs have issued a warning that the latest round of strikes by junior doctors will result in 'significant service disruption' when it begins this weekend.
A full walk out of junior doctors has been announced by unions from 7am on Saturday 24 February until 7am on Thursday 29 February, which is expected to have a major impact on patients across Cheshire and Merseyside.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Medical Director, Professor Rowan Pritchard-Jones, said: "Health and care services across Cheshire and Merseyside are still experiencing winter pressures.
"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 will lead to significant service disruption.
“You 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”.
NHS 111 is once again the recommended route for all non-emergency healthcare needs during the industrial action, while Mersey Care will be providing regular updates about our services via the website and social media.
Almost half of all doctors within the NHS are classed as junior doctors, but the public are advised to attend any planned appointments unless contacted directly by the NHS to reschedule, so please check before setting out on your journey.
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.
