The NHS is asking Kirklees patients to use services wisely on strike days and take simple steps to help ensure care is available to patients who need it most.
This includes using 111 online as the first port of call for urgent health needs and continuing to only use 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency.
The NHS is already facing record demand on urgent and emergency care service and we are approaching the busiest time of year for A&E attendances and the most serious ambulance call-outs.
Industrial action means these services will be under increased pressure so it is vital that you use the services available appropriately.
Junior doctors take strike action from 7am on Thursday, 27 June until 7am on Tuesday, 2 July. The NHS will prioritise urgent and emergency care as consultants step in to cover for junior doctors, who make up 50% of the medical workforce.
You should continue to call 999 if anyone requires life-saving care with ambulance services prioritising the most clinically urgent cases. If it is not life-threatening, you may have to wait longer than usual for an ambulance.
The NHS is also asking the public to play their part by taking simple steps during the strikes. Look after yourself, loved ones and check on vulnerable family members and neighbours.
You can help by taking sensible measures to keep yourself and others safe during this period by not ending up in A&E – such as drinking responsibly or stocking up on their medication.
In all cases, priority will be given to those patients with the most clinically urgent health needs.
NHS Medical Director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “There is no doubt that the NHS is facing extreme pressure and industrial action will add to the already record demand we are seeing on urgent and emergency care, and so it is really important that the public play their part by using services wisely.
“This means continuing to call 999 for life-threatening emergencies – if it is not life-threatening you may have to wait longer than usual for an ambulance.
“And using 111 online for other health needs where you will receive clinical advice on the best next steps to take.
“But people can also help by taking sensible steps to keep themselves and others safe during this period and not ending up in A&E. Whether that is drinking responsibly or checking up on a family member of neighbour who may be particularly vulnerable to make sure they are OK.
“NHS staff have worked hard to minimise disruption but it is inevitable as with any industrial action that we will see an impact on services but it is vital if you need lifesaving care, to continue to come forward.”
The NHS has been preparing extensively for industrial action and for winter, with plans in place to manage additional demand including 24/7 control centres, additional bed capacity, more mental health support for ambulance services and more community falls services.
The NHS will contact anyone whose appointment has to be rescheduled due to strikes. If the NHS has not contacted you, please attend appointments as planned.
The NHS has also launched the latest phase of a TV campaign encouraging the public to use NHS 111 online.
After entering answers about health needs online, the service makes an assessment and directs you to the best place for your care – this can include a consultation with a pharmacist, a call back from a nurse, or visiting a same day urgent treatment centre or A&E.
Figures show more than 6.5 million people used the NHS 111 online service in the last 12 months, with an average of 20,000 users being directed to the right support every day according to the latest data.