Public warned to expect significant service disruption ahead of NHS industrial action

Publish date: 27 April 2023

A message from Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust:

Please note, the Minor Injuries Unit at Victoria Infirmary, Northwich (VIN) will be closed on Bank Holiday Monday (1 May) during the RCN Industrial Action. The opening times during the action are:

Sunday 30^th April – 9am till 8pm

Bank Holiday Monday 1^st May – closed

Tuesday 2^nd May – open as usual (9am till 8pm)

Emergency care and other critical services such as maternity departments will be open as usual and life-threatening calls responded to. People should always call 999 or attend accident and emergency services in the event of a life or limb threatening emergency.

Irrespective of any industrial action, please do not hesitate to come forward to access care if you need it. We’re urging people to make NHS 111 Online their first port of call if they need urgent health advice on days of strike action.

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Royal College of Nursing (RCN) members plan to join strike action from 8pm this Sunday (April 30^th) until midnight on Bank Holiday Monday (May 1^st).

Unlike previous action, union leaders have confirmed that this strike will involve nursing staff working in emergency departments, intensive care units, cancer care and other services that were previously exempt. Significant service disruption is expected.

Almost all Cheshire and Merseyside NHS Trusts are expected to be impacted, with a potential for a wider impact on community services such as Walk-In Centres and Urgent Treatment Centres.

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Medical Director, Prof Rowan Pritchard-Jones said: “There is likely to be significant impact on local services during this period of NHS industrial action. Patients may need to wait longer to be seen as those in greatest need will be prioritised.

“In the event of a life or limb threatening emergency you should always call 999 or attend A&E. If, however, you are unsure, or your health issue is less urgent, please use the NHS 111 Online service which will take you through a symptom checker and offer advice. Many high street pharmacies will also be open throughout the bank holiday weekend.”

The NHS will continue to deliver planned care where possible, especially for patients in greatest clinical need, and we would urge the public to attend any planned appointments unless contacted directly by the NHS to reschedule.

Local NHS services will be using their websites and social media channels to provide up to date information to the public about local service disruption – so please check before you travel.

NHS 111 Online can tell you: