NHS Greater Manchester issues guidance ahead of resident doctor strikes

NHS Greater Manchester is advising patients across the region on how to access care during planned industrial action by resident doctors (formerly junior doctors).

The strike is set to run from 7am on Wednesday 17 December to 7am on Monday 22 December, and health leaders are urging the public to plan ahead and use services wisely.

Despite the walkout, consultants, specialist doctors, nurses and other NHS staff will continue to provide care. However, combined pressures from reduced staffing, seasonal illnesses, and the busy winter period mean services are expected to be busier than usual.

Patients are being reminded that hospitals and GP practices will make contact only if an appointment needs to be rescheduled. Anyone who has not been contacted should attend their appointment as planned. Some non-urgent procedures may be postponed in order to prioritise emergency and urgent care.

Dental Care: For urgent problems involving the mouth, teeth or gums, the Greater Manchester Dental Helpline is available from 8am–10pm daily on 0333 332 3800. This service is free to call and covers weekends and bank holidays.

Emergency Care: For life-threatening conditions, such as chest pain, severe bleeding, breathing difficulties or signs of a stroke, patients should continue to call 999 or attend A&E immediately.

NHS 111: For urgent but non-emergency needs, NHS 111 is available 24/7 online, by phone, and through the NHS App. For those who need additional support, accessibility options such as SignVideo and Text Relay (18001 111) remain in place.

Pharmacies: Local pharmacies can treat a range of common conditions under the Pharmacy First scheme, including earache in children (1–17), sore throats (5+) and urinary tract infections (16–64). Pharmacists can provide quick advice, treatment and reassurance without a GP appointment.

Urgent Eye Care: People experiencing sudden vision changes, eye pain, redness, or new flashes or floaters can access the Greater Manchester Urgent Eye Care Service, available throughout the week including evenings and weekends. Patients should contact their local optician first; if they don’t offer the service, they can be directed to one that does.

Plan Prescriptions Early: Residents are being urged to ensure they have enough repeat medication to cover the festive period. Prescriptions should be ordered at least a week in advance, and earlier if they coincide with bank holidays.

Use the Right Service: For minor illnesses, pharmacies should be the first port of call. Dental issues should go via local dentists or the urgent helpline, and eye concerns via opticians or urgent eye care services. NHS 111 can help direct people to the right place for other concerns.

NHS Greater Manchester is encouraging the public to check in on vulnerable neighbours, relatives and friends particularly those recently discharged from hospital. Support might include collecting prescriptions, helping with food shopping, or assisting with minor illnesses.
Eligible residents are encouraged to book their flu and Covid vaccinations to help protect themselves and reduce pressure on local health services.

Dr Francis Andrews, consultant in emergency medicine and medical director at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, speaking on behalf of all acute medical directors for NHS Greater Manchester, said: “We know industrial action can be worrying, particularly with Christmas approaching. NHS teams are working hard to maintain as many services as possible, but hospitals and GP practices will be busier than usual. Please plan ahead for prescriptions, use pharmacies, dental and urgent eye services where possible, and support loved ones who are ready to leave hospital so care can be provided safely to those who need it most. Booking your flu vaccination is another way to protect yourself and others during winter. We thank everyone for their patience, understanding, and kindness towards NHS staff during this period.”

The NHS is urging residents to stay informed, use services responsibly and look out for one another as the strike period approaches.