Public encouraged to still seek emergency care during industrial action

News - 11 January 2023

The NHS has issued a press notice telling the public to seek emergency care if they need to during industrial action and take simple steps to help ensure care is available to patients who need it most.

Here's some key information for the public during the industrial action: 

  • Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is really important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases - when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.

  • If the NHS has not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned. The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.

  • If you need medical help or advice, go to NHS 111 online unless it is a life-threatening emergency when you should still call 999.

  • Patients should take advice from 111 / 999 call-handlers on whether there are circumstances where it is suitable for them to make their own way to hospital

  • The NHS is also asking the public to play their part by taking simple steps during industrial action to look after themselves, loved ones and checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.

Click to read the full press release.

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