People in Sandbach and the surrounding area are being urged to use NHS 111 for non-emergency healthcare needs ahead of planned industrial action by resident doctors this week.

The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced a six-day walkout of resident doctors (previously known as junior doctors), from 7am on Tuesday 7 April to 7am on Monday 13 April.

The industrial action is expected to cause significant disruption to NHS services across the region, with staff already managing increased demand over the busy Easter Bank Holiday period.

The NHS has tried and tested plans in place to maintain patient safety and manage disruption. However, due to the scale of the walkout, some services will be affected.

Emergency care and other critical services, including maternity, will continue to operate, and life-threatening calls will always be responded to.

People should continue to call 999 or attend A&E in a life-threatening or serious emergency.

The NHS will also continue to deliver planned care where possible, particularly for patients with the greatest clinical need. Patients are asked to attend appointments as planned unless contacted directly to rearrange. 

People are being urged to make NHS 111 their first point of contact for urgent, non-emergency healthcare needs. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week online, by phone or via the NHS App, and can help with:

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• Where to get help for your symptoms
• General health information and advice
• Emergency supplies of prescribed medicines
• Repeat prescriptions
• Emergency dental appointments

If needed, NHS 111 can arrange a call back from a healthcare professional or book an appointment with the most appropriate local service.

Supporting safe and timely discharge over Easter

Families and carers are also being asked to support loved ones who are ready to leave hospital. 

Recovering at home in a familiar environment supports recovery and helps reduce the risk of complications or readmission. Simple steps that can make a big difference include:

• Ensuring medications are collected and available
• Making sure there is enough food and essential supplies at home
• Preparing the home environment, including removing trip hazards and ensuring it is warm and comfortable
• Providing emotional support during the transition home
• Knowing who to contact if there are any concerns

Helping patients leave hospital when they are medically ready is vital to ensuring beds are available for those who need them most, particularly during periods of increased demand.

Irrespective of industrial action, people should not hesitate to come forward for care if they need it. More information about when to call 999 and when to attend A&E is available on the NHS website.