More junior doctor strikes set to cause disruption to NHS services

A junior doctor walk-out is expected to cause widespread disruption to the NHS this weekend, at hospitals including Rochdale Infirmary, Fairfield General Hospital and Oldham Royal Hospital.

The strike began on Thursday (27 June) and will last until 2 July - meaning services are to be disrupted over this weekend.

NHS Greater Manchester is encouraging residents to get to know where to go if they need medical advice, ahead of the next round of industrial action by junior doctors.

GP practices will continue to be open during the junior doctors’ strike, though some may also have members of staff striking. It has been advised to continue to attend your GP and dental appointments unless you are contacted and told otherwise.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS National Medical Director, said: “With industrial action set to cause widespread disruption this weekend, and the NHS seeing record levels of patients in recent months, we urge the public to help us by using services as they normally would.

“Everyone can also help by taking steps to keep themselves and others safe during the weekend - such as by checking up on a family member or neighbour who may be particularly vulnerable to warm weather to make sure they are ok.

“We are prioritising urgent and emergency care, so people should continue to call 999 for life-threatening emergencies, while NHS 111 on the NHS App, online or by phone is there for other health needs where you will receive clinical advice on the best next steps to take.

“Patients should also attend appointments as normal, unless told otherwise by their local booking team.”

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: “The NHS is also asking the public to play their part during industrial action to look after themselves, loved ones and checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours. It’s really important that you attend medical or dental appointments as normal unless you have been told differently.

“If you have regular medication, remember to order your repeat prescription in plenty of time so you don’t run out. Your GP practice will be open but may it be busier than usual.

“Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is really important that people who need urgent medical care continue to come forward especially in emergency and serious life-threatening cases.”

Where you can get help - get to know where to go:  

Use NHS 111 online for all non-emergency healthcare needs in the first instance, unless the issue concerns a child under five years, when you should call 111.

Deaf people or people with hearing loss can dial 18001 111 on a textphone or use the Relay UK app (which can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store or Google Play Store).