Strike action by junior doctors starting from today (Wednesday 20 December) will stretch healthcare services even further, as the NHS already faces winter challenges at the busiest time of the year, making it even more important for people to use NHS services wisely.

Across the region, junior doctors are taking part in strike action from 7am Wednesday 20 December to 7am Saturday 23 December, creating significant challenges for the NHS with staff already managing record demand across emergency care. The NHS has prepared earlier than ever before to build resilience ahead of the winter months, but this period of industrial action will have a significant impact on already challenged services.

The NHS will prioritise urgent and emergency care as senior clinicians, including consultants and specialist doctors, step in to cover for junior doctors, who make up 50% of the medical workforce. Despite extensive planning and cover arrangements in place, the latest strikes by junior doctors are expected to cause widespread disruption – from the impact on almost all routine care, to an extra admin burden and difficulties with discharging patients.

During this period of action, the NHS is reminding the public they should continue to use health services as they usually would – using 999 and A&E in life threatening and emergency situations, and using 111 online for less-urgent health concerns. GPs and pharmacies can be used by the public for health advice and appointments as normal.

Dr Michael Gregory, Regional Medical Director for NHS England North West, said: “NHS staff have been working incredibly hard to plan and prepare for the busy winter months, but this period of industrial action, just days before Christmas and the New Year, will stretch services even further. A significant amount of planned care will be affected, and many services will have avoided scheduling planned appointments altogether. Thank you to the public for continuing to use NHS services wisely during industrial action.

“If you need medical help, don’t hesitate to come forward. Use 999 and A&E departments for emergency and life-threatening situations, and 111 online for less urgent health advice.”

Dr Gregory added that junior doctors also work in general practice so the overall impact of industrial action will be felt across primary care.

“If you have a health need, please do contact your GP and local pharmacy for health advice and appointments. If you have an appointment scheduled, please continue to attend unless you are told otherwise.”

The NHS is working hard to ensure all patients who are fit to return home for this period of action and Christmas can do so safely. People with loved ones in hospital who are ready to be discharged from hospital, can support the NHS by helping to get them home as soon as practically possible.

After Christmas and New Year, the longest action ever by junior doctors is also planned from 7am 3 January to 7am 9 January, meaning that in the coming three weeks, only four weekdays in the NHS are unaffected by holidays or industrial action.

Using 111 online gives the same responses as the phone service, but may give a quicker answer than contacting the phone line. In addition, community pharmacies offer a range of services and have a wealth of information and expertise if someone needs advice – search online for ‘find a pharmacy’ or visit Find a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk). Pharmacy opening times may vary during the festive period, so people are advised to check beforehand.

Patients who haven’t been contacted or informed that their planned appointment has been postponed are also urged to attend as normal.