PEOPLE across the South East are being urged to use NHS 111 online as their first port of call for non-emergency medical advice over the Easter bank holiday weekend.
With health services expected to be busy over the long weekend, and resident doctors due to start industrial action for six days from 7am on April 7, NHS clinicians are encouraging the public to understand the best ways to access care so that urgent and emergency services remain available for those who need them most.
It comes just days after a six-day strike was called after negotiations between the British Medical Association and the government in a long running dispute broke down.
On Monday, Prime Minister Kier Starmer lodged a two-day deadline to call off the strikes in lieu of a package of 1,000 more training posts–an offer which has now been rescinded.
It is the latest in a series of strikes by resident doctors, previously known as junior doctors, over pay and job shortages, and will be one of the longest strikes held.
It will be the second time resident doctors have lodged six days of industrial action since disputes began in March 2023.
NHS 111 online works in the same way as the 111 phone service; users can arrange a call back from a trained clinician or nurse, book an appointment at A&E, or receive direct medical advice.
Residents are also reminded to make sure they have enough of any regularly prescribed medication to last the weekend, and check that medicine cabinets are stocked with essential items, including pain relief, cold and flu remedies, throat lozenges, antihistamines, and basic first aid supplies such as plasters and antiseptic cream.
Dr Christopher Tibbs, Medical Director for NHS England South East, said: “The Easter weekend and the days that follow are always a busy time for the health service, but particularly in the light of this further round of industrial action an added amount of pressure has been applied.
“Industrial action comes at a real cost to both NHS staff and patients, but as with all other periods of strike action which have been observed, hospitals and General Practice across the region will do everything they can to minimise disruption to services during this time and ensure as much planned care as possible continues for patients.
“We know that Easter is a busy time for all those working in the health service, and as with other professions people use this time when school holidays fall to take annual leave.
“We are incredibly grateful to all the NHS staff, including those resident doctors who are not taking strike action, for working extra hours to maintain services for patients.
“The NHS is still here for you but please use it wisely. In an emergency always call 999 but for non-urgent needs use NHS 111 online, speak to your pharmacist or contact your GP.”
NHS 111 online can help you find out where to get help for your symptoms if you are not sure what to do, access general health information and advice, get an emergency supply of a prescribed medicine, request a repeat prescription, or book an emergency dental appointment.
You can access NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk.
