Publish date: 24 June 2024
NHS Greater Manchester is encouraging residents to get to know where to go if they need medical advice, ahead of the next round of industrial action by junior doctors.
The strike is taking place from 7am on Thursday 27 June until 7am on Tuesday 2 July. This is part of an ongoing dispute between junior doctors and the Government.
People who need the NHS are requested to choose the service that’s most appropriate to ensure care is available to patients who need it most. This includes using 111 online as the first port of call for health needs, and only using 999 if it is a serious or life-threatening emergency.
GP practices will continue to be open during the junior doctors’ strike, though some may also have members of staff striking. Please continue to attend appointments unless you are contacted and told otherwise.
Mr Dilraj Sandher, executive medical director for Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust on behalf of NHS acute medical directors in Greater Manchester, said:
“The NHS is also asking the public to play their part during industrial action to look after themselves, loved ones and checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours. It’s really important that you attend medical or dental appointments as normal unless you have been told differently.
“If you have regular medication, remember to order your repeat prescription in plenty of time so you don’t run out. Your GP practice will be open but may it be busier than usual.
“Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is really important that people who need urgent medical care continue to come forward especially in emergency and serious life-threatening cases.”
NHS 111
Use NHS 111 online for all non-emergency healthcare needs in the first instance, unless the issue concerns a child under five years, when you should call 111.
Deaf people or people with hearing loss can dial 18001 111 on a textphone or use the Relay UK app (which can be downloaded from Apple’s App Store or Google Play Store).
NHS 111 Online can help if:
- You need help but don’t know who to call
- How to find general health information and advice
- You are ill and need to be told what to do next
- How to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
Pharmacy
For minor conditions remember to go to your local pharmacy. If your health issue isn’t one of the seven Pharmacy First conditions or something a pharmacist can’t already help with, you may be advised to see your GP. How pharmacies can help.
There are pharmacies open late into the night and very early in the morning. Find your nearest one here: Find a pharmacy - NHS (www.nhs.uk).
Urgent dental care
The Greater Manchester Urgent Dental Care Service is available from 8am to 10pm every day including weekends for severe dental pain and infection.
People can call 0333 332 3800 to be assessed by a healthcare professional, who can provide self-care advice or book a face-to-face appointment, if needed.
Urgent eye care
Free urgent eyecare is available across all 10 areas of Greater Manchester.
If you have a sudden and urgent problem with your eyes, you can contact a local practice to get an appointment: NHS Greater Manchester Community Urgent Eye Care Service (CUES) - Primary Eyecare Services.
Mental health
For free urgent mental health support, people can contact one of these 24/7 helplines – they’re available to anyone of any age. If there’s an immediate risk of danger to life, you should ring 999.
- Bolton, Manchester, Salford, Trafford, and Wigan 0800 953 0285 (freephone).
- Bury, Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport, and Tameside 0800 014 9995 (freephone)