Seek Medical Support via NHS 111 as Doctors Plan Full Walkout
People across Cheshire and Merseyside are being urged to use NHS 111 for all non-emergency healthcare needs ahead of industrial action by resident doctors (previously known as junior doctors).
Unions have announced a full walkout of resident doctors from 7am on Wednesday 17th to 7am on Monday 22nd December.
Strike action will create major challenges for NHS staff who are already managing increased demand for urgent and emergency care.
Use NHS 111 for all non-emergency healthcare needs
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Medical Director, Professor Rowan Pritchard Jones, is urging people to use NHS 111 for all non-emergency healthcare needs.
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.
Planned care and appointments
The NHS will continue to deliver planned care where possible, especially for patients in greatest clinical need. You should 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.
More information
You can use these links to find more information about
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 might diagnose you or put you under anaesthetic, 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.