Date published: 13 December 2022

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has confirmed that members at a number of NHS organisations across Cheshire and Merseyside plan to join strike action on both Thursday15 December and Tuesday 20 December 2022.

Separately, GMB, Unison and Unite have confirmed that members at North West Ambulance Service plan to join strike action on Wednesday 21 December and Wednesday 28 December 2022.

Mersey Care have tried and tested plans in place to deal with any disruptions, including those which might result from any industrial action impacting on our organisation.

We are working closely with union representatives to put in place extensive plans to maintain the safety and welfare of our patients during this time and to ensure any impact on our services are minimised.

Irrespective of any action taking place, it is important members of the public that need care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-saving cases.

If anyone requires healthcare services during this time and it is not an emergency, we would urge you to consider taking advice from NHS 111 Online, contacting your GP, or visiting a pharmacist.

Further information about how industrial action may affect services can be found on the Cheshire and Merseyside NHS website.