NHS Cheshire and Merseyside is urging people to use NHS 111 for all non-emergency healthcare needs ahead of the next junior doctors strike, which will run from 7am on Saturday 24 February until 7am on Thursday 29 February.

Significant disruption

The industrial action will cause significant disruption, with NHS Trusts across Cheshire and Merseyside set to be severely impacted.

Emergency care and other critical services such as maternity departments will be open and life-threatening calls responded to. People should always call 999 or attend accident and emergency services in the event of a life or limb threatening emergency.

Local services will keep their websites and social media accounts up-to-date with information about service disruption – so please check before you travel.

NHS 111

The NHS 111 service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can call, go online or use the NHS App to find out:

• Where to get help for your symptoms
• How to find general health information and advice
• Where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
• How to get a repeat prescription
• How to get an emergency dental appointment

You can find out more about NHS 111 here.

If needed, NHS 111 can also arrange a call back from a nurse, doctor or paramedic or an appointment at the most appropriate local service including local pharmacies, urgent treatment centres, GP practices or A&E.

Information about when to call 999 and when to go to A&E is available via the national NHS website.