The NHS in the North West is urging people to use services wisely during the latest period of industrial action by resident doctors starting tomorrow (Wednesday 17 December 2025), as the NHS faces record-breaking demand for services.

The five-day walk out by resident doctors will have a significant impact on NHS services with staff already managing increased winter pressures and a sharp rise in flu cases, all in the run up to Christmas and New Year, traditionally an extremely busy time for the health service.

During these strikes, all other NHS staff (including consultants and other specialist doctors) will still be working, and the focus of the NHS will be on ensuring as many services as possible continue to operate safely.

Dr Michael Gregory, Regional Medical Director for NHS England in the North West, said: “The NHS is currently facing significant winter pressures, and this period of industrial action will create additional challenges for us.

“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 (111.nhs.uk) 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.”

We know from previous industrial action that there will be significant disruption to patient appointments because of the strikes. There may be fewer doctors working during this time and they will need to prioritise lifesaving care. The NHS will do its best to only cancel appointments where it is absolutely necessary.

Dr Michael Gregory continued: “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.

“I’d like to thank the public for their continued support and our NHS staff who are going above and beyond to maintain safe patient services during this challenging period.”

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. People can check if they’re eligible and book vaccines on the NHS website.

NHS staff are working incredibly 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 our care. People are being encouraged to take steps to help get their loved ones home.

The public can play their part during industrial action by looking after themselves and loved ones and checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.

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.