NHS leaders are reminding the public to only call 999 for an ambulance or attend A&E for life-threatening conditions or injuries only, as the region's health services plan for strike action this week.
Resident doctors working in hospitals who are members of the British Medical Association (BMA) will take part in five days of industrial action from 7am on Friday 14 November until 7am Wednesday 19 November.
The strike will affect NHS services across the North East and North Cumbria and patients should expect disruption and potential long waits during the strike, and during the following immediate days when patient attendance often peaks, this is alongside trusts managing winter flu admissions, which has arrived early this year and causing significant added pressures.
Dr Neil O’Brien, chief medical officer for the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board said: “This strike has come at a time when NHS services are seeing increased demand due to the early spread of winter viruses, such as flu, in our communities and also amongst hospital staff, meaning fewer staff to cover.
“So, people can expect long delays and more disruption to NHS services during the industrial action.
Emergency and urgent care services will be prioritised during this time, so we really need the public's understanding to only call 999 and attend emergency departments if it is a genuine life-threatening injury or illness."
“For urgent health needs that are not life threatening, please use NHS 111 online or by phone.
“If you have friends or loved ones in hospital, we urge you not to visit if you are unwell yourself or have been unwell in the past 48 hours, to help prevent further spread of viruses within our hospitals.
“GP practices and local pharmacies will still be open as usual during the industrial action to help with advice and treatments, as well as offering flu jab vaccinations, which we recommend everyone who is eligible to have it”.
Come to your appointments
Dr O’Brien added: “People will be contacted directly if there are any changes to their planned appointment or surgery, and there is no need to contact the NHS about this.”
Further support
The public are reminded for urgent health needs, which are not life threatening, www.111.nhs.uk is available 24 hours a day.
Its symptom checker can be used to assess symptoms, and it will direct to a health professional if people need to be seen by someone. Also, self-care advice is available on NHS online.
Parents, carers and young people can also use the Healthier Together app or website which provides NHS healthcare advice and top tips on a range of child related illnesses along with information on local services.
Anyone needing mental health crisis support can phone NHS 111 and select the mental health option.