Date published: 2 February 2023
Cheshire and Merseyside health leaders are urging the public to use NHS 111 as a priority for any health needs ahead of "significant service disruption" during industrial action by three trades unions on Monday 6 February 2023.
Royal College of Nursing (RCN) members have chosen to strike on the same day as colleagues from UNITE and GMB members of the North West Ambulance Service, which may affect Mersey Care's services in the community and mental health services.
Prof Rowan Pritchard-Jones, Medical Director at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, admits there is likely to be significant service disruption and is urging people to make NHS 111 Online their first port of call for non-emergency health needs.
“The NHS has tried and tested plans in place to mitigate risks to patient safety and manage any disruption, including industrial action, but inevitably there is likely to be significant service disruption.
“Emergency care and other critical services such as maternity departments will be open as usual but, with NHS services already under pressure, it has arguably never been more important for people to use the available services appropriately.
“There will be fewer ambulances on the roads, with the NHS prioritising those with life-threatening needs, so if you need to access a healthcare service, but it’s not an emergency, please use NHS 111 Online to ensure you are signposted to the right service first time.”
Mersey Care will also keep its websites and social media accounts updated with information about local service disruption – so please check before you travel.
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
More information about when to call 999 and when to go to A&E is available via the national NHS website.