Record industrial action this week could see one of the most difficult starts to the year for health services across the country, the NHS in the North West has said today.

Junior doctors strike from tomorrow (3rd) at 7am, until 7am on Tuesday (9th) – the longest consecutive strike action ever taken in the history of the NHS.

The strikes are set to have a significant impact on almost all routine care, with consultants covering as the NHS prioritises urgent and emergency cases.

Industrial action comes in the middle of the winter period where the NHS is already under significant pressure from factors such as seasonal illnesses including covid and flu, and following the Christmas and New Year holidays, where many people mix socially which presents the risk of spreading infections.

Most recent data shows that people in hospital with flu has jumped to an average of 942 each day last week – almost six times the number compared to the week before.

The NHS has prepared extensively and earlier than ever before for the busier winter period with hundreds more beds in place, more ambulances on the road and 24/7 system control centres rolled out across the country to manage additional pressure.

Junior doctors took action for three days immediately before Christmas, which led to 11,124 inpatient and outpatient appointments being postponed in the North West. At the peak of the action, on Wednesday 20 December, there were 3,629 staff absent from work in the region due to industrial action.

NHS leaders in the North West are today encouraging people to continue to come forward for the care they need – using 111 online in the first instance but continuing to use 999 and A&E in life-threatening emergencies. People can continue to use their GP services and local pharmacies in the usual way.

Dr Paula Cowan, Medical Director for Primary Care, NHS North West, said: “This week’s strike will be the longest in NHS history, and it comes at, what is traditionally the most challenging time of the year for the NHS with exceptionally high demand for services coupled with anticipated rises in seasonal illnesses following get-togethers over the festive period creating a potential perfect storm for the health service.

“Latest data shows rising rates of patients admitted to hospital with flu over recent weeks and more norovirus cases than we have seen in some time, coupled with the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on admissions and staff sickness.

“All this would create significant pressure on the NHS on its own, but the impact of the strikes on staffing levels will mean challenges across the board, and while the NHS will continue to deliver emergency care, there will be a huge impact on appointments, with tens of thousands postponed, hampering ongoing efforts to reduce the backlog of patients waiting for care.

“The NHS has prepared extensively for winter and to do everything possible to mitigate the impact of industrial action, we expect the effects of this prolonged period of strike action to be felt for weeks afterwards, with staff working to cover during the strikes taking time back, further impacting on the effort to catch up on elective care.

“As ever, if anyone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, you should seek emergency care in the normal way, by calling 999. For other care needs please use NHS111 online to be assessed and directed to the right care for you. If you do not have internet access, then the 111 helpline is also available.”

Dr Cowan 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 still working hard to ensure all patients who are fit to return home 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. 

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 urged to attend as normal.

ENDS