'Vital' for the public to come forward for care, North West top doctor urges during strikes

A top doctor is urging the public to use health services wisely during industrial action by resident doctors.

The five-day walk out is set to start on Wednesday 17 December and will have a significant impact on the NHS services, Dr Michael Gregory, Regional Medical Director for NHS England in the North West said.

Services and staff are already managing increasing pressures and a sharp rise in flu cases in the lead up to Christmas and New year, the busiest time of the year for the NHS, he added.

“The NHS is currently facing significant winter pressures, and this period of industrial action will create additional challenges for us," Dr Michael Gregory said.

“During this time, in the run up to the festive period, it’s vital that the public continue to come forward for care and know how they can access our services when needed.

“It’s important that people use NHS 111 online 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.”

All other NHS staff, including consultants and other specialist doctors, will still be working during the strikes, and the focus of the service will be on ensuring as many services as possible continue to operate safely, he added.

The NHS in the North West has seen a significant increase in the number of people needing hospital care with flu and eligible people are being urged to protect themselves and their families by getting vaccinated as soon as possible, the service said.

Staff are working 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.

Dr Michael Gregory added: “I would urge people to please attend your appointment as planned. The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action."

For more information about industrial action and how you can use NHS services wisely during this time, visit: NHS England - Information for the public on industrial action.

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