Public urged to continue to access care if they need it despite planned industrial action.

The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has confirmed that members at a number of NHS organisations across Cheshire and Merseyside plan to join strike action on both Thursday 15 December and Tuesday 20 December 2022. This should not affect nurses working in general practice.

Separately, GMB, Unison and Unite have confirmed that members at North West Ambulance Service plan to join strike action, with staffing due to be affected on Wednesday 21 December and Wednesday 28 December 2022.

NHS pay is a matter for the Government and trade unions.

The NHS has tried and tested plans in place to mitigate risks to patient safety and manage any disruption, including industrial action.

Emergency care and other critical services such as maternity departments will be open as usual and life-threatening calls responded to.

The NHS will do everything it can to go ahead with planned procedures – especially for patients in greatest clinical need.

The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled. If you have not been contacted, please attend your appointment as planned.

Irrespective of any industrial action, please do not hesitate to come forward to access care if you need it. As always, please continue to use the full range of available options including NHS 111, pharmacies, GP practices and - for emergencies - your local hospitals and 999 services.

NHS 111 Online can tell you:

• Where to get help for your symptoms, if you're not sure what to do
• How to find general health information and advice
• Where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
• How to get a repeat prescription