Resident doctors are set to strike from next week.
Resident doctors – formerly known as junior doctors – are due to start industrial action from 7am on Tuesday April 7 until 6.59am on Monday April 13.
The British Medical Association called the strike last week over a deal which would see doctors receive a 3.5% pay rise this year, expenses including exam fees paid for and an increase in the number of training posts.
The union said that it had become clear in talks that the pay increases were going to be spread over three years and it was rejected.
Despite Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer giving doctors 48 hours to call off the action or lose the new package – resident doctors will still walk out.
Professor Craig Harris, chief commissioning officer at NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, which commissions health services for the region, said: “The Easter bank holiday weekend and the days that follow are usually a very busy time for the health service.
“In light of the industrial action taking place we are urging the public to use the right service for their needs, including 111 online for quick and easy medical help.
“111 online can direct people to the right service quickly, provide medical advice, and helps to keep urgent and emergency services free for the most seriously ill and injured patients.
“We know from recent experience that industrial action has a big impact on our hospitals, the services they provide, and the wider NHS.
“Please remember that those whose appointments are affected will be contacted in advance, so please still attend if you haven’t heard from us.
“Please be reassured that the NHS has tried and tested plans in place to mitigate risks to patient safety and manage the disruption caused by industrial action and protect emergency treatment.”
Access NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk. NHS 111 online is not available for children under five. If you need urgent medical help for a child under five, call 111.
Attend A&E in any life-threatening emergencies.
More information about when to call 999 and when to go to A&E is available via the national NHS website.
To find your nearest pharmacy, visit nhs.uk/find-a-pharmacy.
NHS 111 can tell you:
- 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.
