PEOPLE across Cheshire are being urged to use NHS 111 ahead of planned industrial action by resident doctors.
The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced a six-day walkout of resident doctors, who were previously known as junior doctors.
Their planned walkout will begin from 7am on Tuesday, April 7, to 7am on Monday, April 13.
As a result, the industrial action is expected to cause 'significant' disruption to the NHS.
The NHS has tried and tested plans in place to maintain patient safety, but due to the scale of the walkout, services will be affected.
Emergency and other critical services, such as maternity, will continue as normal, and life-threatening calls will always be responded to.
The NHS will also continue to offer planned treatment where possible.
Patients are being urged to attend appointments as planned, unless contacted directly to rearrange.
Residents are being asked to make NHS 111 their first point of contact for urgent, non-emergency healthcare needs.
NHS 111 can help people in the following ways:
- Where to get help for your symptoms
- General health information and advice
- Emergency supplies of prescribed medicines
- Repeat prescriptions
NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, every day of the week, online, by phone or via the NHS App.
If needed, NHS 111 can arrange a call back from a healthcare professional or book an appointment with the most appropriate local service.
Families and carers are also being asked to support loved ones who are ready to leave hospital.
Going back home helps recovery and lessens the risk of complications or returning to hospital.
Families are being urged to ensure medication is collected and available for patients, that there is enough food at home, and that the home environment is safe and warm.
You should always come forward if care is needed, despite industrial action.
More information about when to call 999 and when to go to A&E can be found on the NHS website, along with more advice and information on health services for non-urgent needs.
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