Nantwich residents urged to use NHS 111 during industrial action

People across South Cheshire are urged to use NHS 111 for non-emergency healthcare needs ahead of planned industrial action by resident doctors.

The British Medical Association six-day walkout of resident doctors starts from 7am tomorrow (Tuesday April 7th) to 7am on Monday April 13th.

The industrial action is expected to cause significant disruption to NHS services across the region, with staff already managing increased demand over the busy Easter Bank Holiday period.

NHS bosses say they have “tried and tested plans” in place to maintain patient safety and manage disruption.

“However, due to the scale of the walkout, some services will be affected,” they said.

“Emergency care and other critical services, including maternity, will continue to operate, and life-threatening calls will always be responded to.

“People should continue to call 999 or attend A&E in a life-threatening or serious emergency.

“The NHS will also continue to deliver planned care where possible, particularly for patients with the greatest clinical need.

“Patients are asked to attend appointments as planned unless contacted directly to rearrange.”

People are being urged to make NHS 111 their first point of contact for urgent, non-emergency healthcare needs.

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week online, by phone or via the NHS App.

It can help with where to get help for your symptoms, general health information and advice, emergency supplies of, prescribed medicines, repeat prescriptions and emergency dental appointments.

If needed, NHS 111 can arrange a call back from a healthcare professional or book an appointment with the most appropriate local service.

“Irrespective of industrial action, people should not hesitate to come forward for care if they need it,” the NHS added.

More information about when to call 999 and when to attend A&E is available on the NHS website.