Date published: 10 June 2026
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside is urging residents needing healthcare during the latest strike by resident doctors should use NHS 111 during a busy time for health services as the weather gets warmer and the 2026 World Cup begins in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Resident doctors, previously known as junior doctors, are taking industrial action from 7am on Monday 15 June until 06:59am on Friday 19 June, during which time there will be fewer doctors available and services may have to prioritise life saving care.
The strike comes as communities come together to watch the World Cup, while the warmer weather often causes a busier period than normal for NHS services, so people across the region are being urged to use the NHS 111 service for non-emergency care.
“We’re asking for the public’s support by urging people to continue using NHS services appropriately,” said Dr Fiona Lemmens, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Executive Clinical Director. “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, use NHS 111 online or the NHS App to get assessed and directed to the right place for you.”
NHS 111 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, 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 about when to call 999 and when to go to A&E is available via the national NHS website.
Information about Mersey Care clinics and appointments will be posted on our website or on our social media channels if there is any disruption to our services during the industrial action, so please check before you travel, but please attend any planned appointments until contacted directly to reschedule.
