Across the region, hospital consultants started industrial action at 7 am this morning, lasting until 7 am on 21 September. As well as this, junior doctors will strike from 7 am tomorrow (20 September) to 7 am on 23 September, resulting in a significant impact on almost all planned and routine care.

This unprecedented action is anticipated to put extra pressure on urgent and emergency care services, including the NHS 111 telephone service, creating longer waiting times for people wanting to speak to a health advisor.

As a result, we, as the operator of NHS 111 in the North West, recommends the online service 111.nhs.uk, which will likely be quicker to find the answers you need.

Sally Rose, Head of the 111 service for NWAS, explains, “Using 111 online is very similar to the phone service, and you’ll answer the same questions. Depending on what you need, you may get a call back from a doctor or nurse, arrange an arrival slot at A&E, or get guidance on self-care.

“Tomorrow is the first time we’ve seen junior doctors join consultants on the picket line as part of the BMA strikes, and we are concerned that will raise the pressure felt by NHS 111. Therefore, it’s important the public is aware and can act appropriately.

“The ambulance service won’t be part of the strike, so the public should still call 999 for life-threatening situations, and GPs and pharmacies can be used by the public for health advice and appointments as usual.

“We are grateful to the public who use the NHS wisely when it does face disruption in periods like this.”

A significant amount of planned care will be affected; however, patients who haven’t been contacted or informed that their scheduled appointment has been postponed are urged to attend as normal.

NHS 111 online can help you:

• Figure out what to do if you’re not sure about your symptoms

• Get general advice and info about health

• Get more of your medicine if you need it right away

• Sort out your repeat prescription

• Get an emergency dentist appointment

NHS 111 online is not suitable for under 5s.

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