Industrial Strike Action Patient Information (Updated Jan 23)
Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is really important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.
Ambulances will still be able to respond in these situations, but this may only be where there is an immediate risk to life.
We are thankful to our staff across health and care who are working tirelessly and grateful to the public for their understanding as the demand for services grows. Please use NHS 111 online to get to know where to go. https://bit.ly/GetToKnowWhereToGo
To keep up to date, check hospital websites below:
- Information regarding forthcoming nurses strike action (18 and 19 Jan 2023) :: Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care (tamesideandglossopicft.nhs.uk)
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
- WWL Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | News
- NHS Greater Manchester has a dedicated webpage here
Frequently asked questions
What is happening?
Trade unions representing NHS staff are in dispute with the Government over the 2022/23 pay award. A number of the unions have balloted their NHS members to take part in industrial action.
In Greater Manchester, RCN staff are striking on 18 and 19 January 2023 at the following organisations:
- Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (7am to 7pm)
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust (8am – 8pm)
- Wrightington Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (8am – 8pm)
Temporary changes to opening times have been made at Leigh Urgent Treatment Centre and at the Urgent Treatment Centre at Royal Albert Edward Infirmary for both days of the industrial action:
- Urgent Treatment Centre at Royal Albert Edward Infirmary – open from 8pm to 1am on 18th and 19th January.
- Urgent Treatment Centre at Leigh Infirmary – not opening on 18th and 19th January.
There will be further RCN strikes on 6th and 7th February.
Further ambulance strikes will take place on Monday, 23 January 2023 and Tuesday, 24 January 2023.
What if I need urgent or emergency care?
It is really important that patients who need urgent or emergency medical care continue to come forward as normal during strike action. Anyone who needs urgent care should use NHS111 online or call NHS 111 to be assessed and directed to the right care for them.
When someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, you should seek emergency care in the normal way, by calling 999 or attending A&E. Ambulances will be dispatched where clinically appropriate. The NHS.UK website has more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E.
What do strikes mean for NHS services in my area?
Not every hospital and ambulance service will be affected by strike action. You can check which Trusts are affected on the NHS England website. Hospital inpatients will be informed if their care will be impacted on a ward-by-ward basis by the staff involved in delivering their care.
What if I have an appointment on a strike day?
The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action. If you have not been contacted, please attend your appointment as planned.
Will emergency care be affected on strike days?
Emergency care will continue to be available across all parts of the country. It is really important that in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or their life is at risk patients continue to come forward as normal.
Will GP services be affected on strike days?
GP services will be running as normal on strike days. Please continue to attend scheduled GP appointments unless you are contacted and told otherwise.
When will I find out if my appointment is rescheduled?
The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action. This is likely to be a letter or phone call, and you should be offered an alternative date for your appointment. If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned.
Is there anything I should do now?
No, the NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action. The NHS is also asking the public to play their part by taking simple steps during industrial action to look after themselves, loved ones and checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.
What should I do if I need an ambulance?
On strike days, patients should only call 999 if seriously ill or injured, and there is risk to life.
For all other health care needs support will be available through NHS 111 online, via the NHS 111 helpline or at your local GP or pharmacy.
Article information: GM ICP
