NHS urges public to use 111 as doctor strikes coincide with World Cup and rising temperatures
With warmer temperatures on the way and the excitement of the World Cup bringing communities together, health leaders are encouraging people to stay safe and help ease pressure on NHS services by socialising responsibly and making informed choices about when and how to access services during the planned industrial action.
People across Cheshire and Merseyside are being urged to useNHS 111or the NHS App for all non-emergency healthcare needs ahead of industrial action by resident doctors (previously known as junior doctors).
Unions have announced a walkout of resident doctors fromMonday 15 JunetoFriday 19 June 2026.
During the strikes, there may be fewer doctors working than usual, and they will need to prioritise life saving care.
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Executive Clinical Director, Dr Fiona Lemmens, is urging people to useNHS 111or the NHS App for non-emergency healthcare needs.
“We’re asking for the public’s support by urging people to continue using NHS services appropriately,” she said.
“The NHS has tried and tested plans in place to mitigate risks to patient safety and manage industrial action - but inevitably a walkout on this scale will lead to some service disruption.
“You should still call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency where 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, useNHS 111 onlineor the NHS App to get assessed and directed to the right place for you.”
Almost half of all hospital doctors are resident doctors. You will see resident doctors working in almost every part of a busy hospital, including A&E where they diagnose and treat emergencies, and in theatres where they may put you under anaesthetic and carry out surgical procedures. Resident doctors also write prescriptions, support the process of admission and discharge, maintain the flow of patients through the hospital and ensure beds are available for those who need them the most.
NHS 111is 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, a call back can also be arranged 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 aboutwhen to call 999andwhen to go to A&Eis available via the national NHS website.
Dr Lemmens added: “The NHS is also working hard to minimise the impact on planned care. Please attend any planned appointments unless contacted directly by the NHS to reschedule.
“Local NHS services will be using their websites and social media channels to provide up-to-date information to the public about local service disruption – so please check before you travel.”