Date published: 21 July 2025
Cheshire and Merseyside residents are being urged to use NHS 111 for all non-emergency health care needs ahead of several days of industrial action by resident doctors.
NHS resources are expected to be stretched following the announcement of resident doctors' strikes from 7am on Friday 25 July to 7am on Wednesday 30 July and residents have been asked to use support the safe and timely discharge of loved ones who are ready to leave hospital during this period.
“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," explained Professor Rowan Pitchard-Jones, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Medical Director.
“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."
Almost half of all hospital doctors are resident doctors, who work in almost every part of a busy hospital. Their roles include 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.
The NHS will continue to deliver planned care where possible, especially for patients in greatest clinical need and the public are urged to attend any planned appointments unless contacted directly by the NHS to reschedule.
Any alterations to Mersey Care's services will be found on this website and our social media channels, so please check before you travel for an appointment during this period.
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 NHS website.
