NHS Greater Manchester is urging the public to use health services appropriately. As resident (formerly junior) doctors planned strike action from 7am on Monday 15 to 7am Friday 19 June is set to coincide with England’s World Cup Match on the Wednesday.
With services already going to be under extra pressure during the industrial action, NHS Greater Manchester is reminding everyone that the excitement of the World Cup game is also likely to bring a rise in demand. Due to an increase in alcohol-related incidents and injuries.
That’s why the city-region’s NHS leaders are asking the public to think carefully before contacting emergency services, and to consider whether they should instead use one of the non-emergency routes:
Dilraj Sandher, Chief Medical Officer for South East Sector Health Care Partnership (formal collaboration between Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust), on behalf of all acute medical directors for NHS Greater Manchester said:
“We want everyone to enjoy the World Cup, but we also need the public’s help to ensure that those with serious, life-threatening conditions get the care they need as quickly as possible at a time when the NHS will already be under a lot of pressure. Please think about the right service for your needs. Only call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency, and if in doubt, visit NHS 111 online first.”
Health and care teams are working to keep as many services running as possible – with patients encouraged to go to appointments as usual unless told otherwise. Consultants, specialist doctors, nurses, and other NHS staff will continue providing care, but with resident doctors taking strike action and the World Cup, services will be busier than usual.
Where to go for help:
- Appointments: please attend hospital and GP practices as planned unless contacted to reschedule. Some planned procedures may be postponed to prioritise urgent care.
- NHS 111: for urgent but non-emergency health needs, you can contact NHS 111 online, by phone, or through the NHS App. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Accessibility options include SignVideo and Text Relay (18001 111) for people who need them. NHS 111 can help you find the right care for your symptoms.
- Emergency care: call 999 or attend A&E for life-threatening conditions such as chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, or symptoms of a stroke.
- Dental care: for pain in your mouth, teeth, or gums, call the Greater Manchester Dental Helpline for free on 0333 332 3800. The service is available 8am – 10pm daily, including weekends and bank holidays, for urgent help when your dental practice is closed or if you do not have a regular dentist. Charges may apply.
- Pharmacies: a good first port of call for many health issues. Under Pharmacy First, pharmacists can treat conditions such as earache (age 1 – 17), sore throats (age 5+), and urinary tract infections (age 16 – 64) without a GP appointment.
- Urgent eye care: Greater Manchester’s Urgent Eye Care Service can help if you experience sudden changes in vision, red or painful eyes, or new flashes or floaters. The service is available throughout the week, including evenings and weekends. Call your local optician first, and if they do not provide the service, you can find one that does.
How the public can help:
Use the right service: for minor health issues, start with pharmacies; for dental problems, contact your dentist or the Greater Manchester Urgent Dental Helpline; for eye concerns, get in touch with an optician or the Urgent Eye Care Service. For other health advice or to be signposted to the right place, contact NHS 111.
Support family, friends and neighbours: check in on those who need extra support, especially those recently discharged from hospital, who may need help collecting prescriptions or food, accessing healthcare, or managing minor illnesses.
Dilraj Sandher, added:
“We know industrial action can be worrying for patients and their families. Please rest assured that NHS teams across hospitals, GP practices and community services are working hard to ensure as many services as possible continue to operate safely – so do attend appointments unless contacted to reschedule.
“Resident doctors are an important part of the NHS workforce, so their planned absence will mean that hospitals and GP practices will be busier than usual – especially on Wednesday when the England World Cup match is taking place. That’s why we are asking everyone to do what they can to help things running smoothly – by using pharmacies, dental and urgent eye services where possible, and supporting loved ones who are ready to leave hospital so care can be provided safely to those who need it most.
“We thank everyone for their patience, understanding, and kindness towards NHS staff during this period.”