NHS in the North West urges public to use services wisely ahead of industrial action and England’s first World Cup fixture

The NHS in the North West is urging people to use health services appropriately during the latest period of industrial action by resident doctors starting on Monday 15 June for four days, ending at 6.59am on Friday 19 June.

This period of action also coincides with the start of the World Cup and England’s opening match, which has historically also seen health services stretched, from alcohol-related incidents and injuries to cardiac events triggered by the stress and exhilaration of a big match.

Industrial action affects hospital and urgent care settings. Emergency care will remain available, but patients may experience longer waits for non urgent issues.

NHS leaders are asking the public to think carefully before contacting emergency services and to consider whether their needs can be met through alternative routes, including NHS 111 online, local pharmacies, or a GP appointment, reserving Emergency Departments (A&E) and 999 for genuine emergencies.

Dr Paula Cowan, Regional Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS England in the North West said: 

“We know the NHS is always busy, especially during times where people gather to celebrate big events, like the World Cup.  Coupled with industrial action creates additional challenges for us.

“During this time, it’s crucial that the public continue to come forward for care and know how they can access NHS services when needed.

“It’s important that people use NHS 111 online (111.nhs.uk) as their first port of call for all non-urgent health needs, as well as use their local GP practice and community pharmacies as usual.

“Urgent and emergency care services remain open during the industrial action period and people should call 999 or attend the accident and emergency department in the event of a life or limb threatening emergency.” 

During these strikes, all other NHS staff (including consultants and other specialist doctors) will still be working, and the focus of the NHS will be on ensuring as many services as possible continue to operate safely.

Industrial action causes significant disruption, but the NHS is preparing as much as possible to put plans in place to manage this disruption, but there may be fewer doctors working during this time who will have to prioritise lifesaving care.  

Dr Cowan added: “Its important that people attend appointments as planned, unless they are contacted directly by NHS to rescheduled due to strike action.

“I’d like to thank the public for their continued support and our NHS staff who are going above and beyond to maintain safe patient services during this challenging period.”

NHS staff are working incredibly hard to ensure patients who are clinically fit and well enough to go home can be discharged from hospital as soon as possible, to help them recover quicker and to free up beds for other patients needing care.

People are being encouraged to take steps to help get their loved one’s home. The public can play their part during industrial action by looking after themselves and loved ones and checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.

For more information about industrial action and how you can use NHS services wisely during this time, visit the 'Industrial action in the NHS' page on the NHS England website.