NHS North West leaders warn of 'tough new year' as junior doctors strike
Junior doctors are walking out until 7am on Tuesday 9 January
Last updated 3rd Jan 2024
NHS leaders in the North West say the latest walkout by junior doctors could see 'one of the most difficult starts to the year for health services across the country.'
Junior doctors are walking out from 7am today (3 January) until 7am on Tuesday 9 December.
It's the longest consecutive strike action ever taken in the history of the NHS.
The NHS says it will have a significant impact on almost all routine care and comes in the middle of a period where it's already under severe pressure - with seasonal illnesses including Covid and flu and the spread of other infections.
Junior doctors also took action for three days before Christmas - which the NHS says led to more than 11,000 inpatient and outpatient appointments being postponed in the North West.
People in need of care are being asked to use 111 online in the first instance, but to continue using 999 and A&E in life-threatening emergencies.
Dr Paula Cowan, Medical Director for Primary Care, NHS North West, said:
"This week’s strike will be the longest in NHS history, and it comes at, what is traditionally the most challenging time of the year for the NHS with exceptionally high demand for services coupled with anticipated rises in seasonal illnesses following get-togethers over the festive period creating a potential perfect storm for the health service.
"Latest data shows rising rates of patients admitted to hospital with flu over recent weeks and more norovirus cases than we have seen in some time, coupled with the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on admissions and staff sickness.
"All this would create significant pressure on the NHS on its own, but the impact of the strikes on staffing levels will mean challenges across the board, and while the NHS will continue to deliver emergency care, there will be a huge impact on appointments, with tens of thousands postponed, hampering ongoing efforts to reduce the backlog of patients waiting for care.
"The NHS has prepared extensively for winter and to do everything possible to mitigate the impact of industrial action, we expect the effects of this prolonged period of strike action to be felt for weeks afterwards, with staff working to cover during the strikes taking time back, further impacting on the effort to catch up on elective care.
"As ever, if anyone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, you should seek emergency care in the normal way, by calling 999. For other care needs please use NHS111 online to be assessed and directed to the right care for you. If you do not have internet access, then the 111 helpline is also available.”
"If you have a health need, please do contact your GP and local pharmacy for health advice and appointments. If you have an appointment scheduled, please continue to attend unless you are told otherwise."
The British Medical Association says the strike action is happening to achieve full pay restoration.
Patients who haven't been contacted or told their planned appointment has been postponed are being urged to attend as normal.