NHS urges patients to attend appointments and urgent care during strikes

The NHS is again reminding patients to seek urgent care if needed and attend appointments as planned  during the latest industrial action.

Patients should use NHS 111 online as the first port of call and calling 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

GPs, pharmacies and dentists are not affected by the strikes.

NHS Deputy Chief Nursing Officer Charlotte McArdle said: “The NHS has tried and tested methods in place to manage any disruption and has been working hard to minimise the impact for patients.

“It is important that people continue coming forward for treatment, whether it is 111 online for non-life threatening care, making use of your local pharmacy or General Practice, or dialling 999 in a life-threatening emergency.

“While strikes will impact some services in those local organisations taking action, NHS teams have worked hard to maintain routine care as much as possible, so it is important people attend appointments as planned unless they have been contacted to rearrange.”

Nurses are striking over pay, conditions and patient safety concerns.