Date published: 12 June 2023
Members of the public needing non-emergency care during the latest junior doctor's strike are being urged to use NHS 111 online during this week's industrial action.
The British Medical Association (BMA) has confirmed a three-day walkout of junior doctors from Wednesday 14 June to Saturday, 17 June, which follows the busiest May on record for A&E departments across the country.
Mersey Care, alongside all other Trusts across Cheshire and Merseyside, is expected to impacted by the strike but Prof Rowan Pritchard-Jones, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside's Medical Director, said: "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 is likely to lead to significant service disruption.
“Urgent and emergency care services will be open and in the event of a life or limb-threatening emergency you should always call 999. If, however, it’s not an emergency, please use NHS 111 Online to ensure you are signposted to the right service first time.”
The NHS will continue to deliver planned care where possible, especially for patients in greatest clinical need, and Mersey Care are asking patients to attend any planned appointments unless contacted directly to reschedule.
Any changes to services will be highlights on our social media channels and our website, so please check before you travel to an appointment.
NHS 111 Online can tell you:
- 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.
More information about when to call 999 and when to go to A&E is available via the national NHS website.