Resident doctors’ strike in North West to coincide with record flu wave and winter NHS pressures
The five-day walk out starts today as NHS services face unprecedented demand
A five-day strike by resident doctors is set to begin today, with the NHS urging people to use services wisely during this period of industrial action.
The walk out comes as the health service grapples with record-breaking demand due to winter flu cases and increasing seasonal pressures ahead of the festive season, traditionally one of the busiest times of year for the NHS.
Despite the strikes, other NHS staff - including consultants and specialist doctors - will continue working. Efforts are focused on ensuring services operate as safely as possible.
Dr Michael Gregory, Regional Medical Director for NHS England in the North West, said this period of industrial action poses "additional challenges" at a time when the NHS is already facing significant winter pressures.
Advice for accessing care
Dr Gregory emphasised it is essential for people to seek care when needed and make appropriate use of NHS services during this challenging time.
“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," Dr Gregory said.
In the event of life or limb-threatening emergencies, he noted that people should still call 999 or visit accident and emergency departments, which remain open throughout the strike period.
Impact on appointments
As seen during previous industrial action, the disruption is expected to affect patient appointments, with fewer doctors available and efforts concentrated on prioritising life-saving care. Efforts are being made to limit cancellations to only those deemed absolutely necessary.
Dr Gregory urged patients to attend their scheduled appointments unless contacted by the NHS with changes to the plan. He also expressed gratitude to NHS staff and the public for their cooperation during this period, saying: “Our NHS staff are going above and beyond to maintain safe patient services during this challenging time.”
Rising flu cases
The NHS in the North West is also experiencing a sharp increase in hospitalisations due to flu, with eligible individuals encouraged to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their families.
Dr Gregory noted vaccines are among the most effective ways to prevent the spread of flu and alleviate pressures on healthcare services.
Residents are advised to stay updated on potential changes to local services as the strike progresses.