Junior doctors to strike over six days from 3 January

Northern Care Alliance hospitals: Rochdale Infirmary, Fairfield General Hospital, the Royal Oldham Hospital, Salford Royal Hospital

Junior doctors are striking from 7am on 3 January to 7am on 9 January in a full walk-out.

Emergency, urgent care and maternity services will be available for patients who need them. 

The NHS says it is “prioritising resources” to protect emergency treatment, critical care, neonatal care, maternity, and trauma. It adds that patients who have “waited the longest” for urgent elective care and some cancer surgery will be prioritised.

Patients with appointments at hospitals and GP practices are asked to attend these as planned unless they are told otherwise. 

People do not need to contact their NHS service or team in advance, the team will contact patients directly if an appointment needs to be rescheduled.

If you are not contacted, please attend your appointment as planned. This includes at GP practices and dental surgeries.

Mr Dilraj Sandher, executive medical director for Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust on behalf of NHS acute medical directors in Greater Manchester, said: “Whilst respecting colleagues’ right to strike, we regret the severe disruption industrial action will cause to the public at a time when demand for NHS services is expected to be significantly higher and many staff are on pre-arranged leave over the festive period.

“We are working hard as a network of health and care providers to minimise disruption wherever we possibly can.

“It’s important that the public do access care if they need it during the strikes and over the Bank Holidays, making use of local urgent eye and dental services, pharmacies, and mental health helplines. NHS 111 online can quickly advise you where to go and what to do next and can help with urgent health advice on days of strike action.

“Some people with appointments during this time may be contacted to rearrange them. Those patients will hear from hospitals or GP practices directly, so unless people hear otherwise, they should come to appointments as planned.”