Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is asking people to get the right care in the right place during upcoming industrial action by resident doctors.
Unions have announced a six‑day walkout from Tuesday 7th April to Monday 13th April 2026, coinciding with the busy Easter Bank Holiday period.
The Trust’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Simon Dowson, said choosing the most appropriate NHS service will help protect urgent and emergency care.
“We have strong plans in place to keep patients safe, but this industrial action will put additional pressure on services,” said Dr Dowson.
“We’re asking people to help by getting the right care, in the right place. If your condition isn’t life‑threatening, please use NHS 111 online, the NHS App, or an Urgent Treatment Centre for prompt advice and care.”
“A&E and 999 are absolutely the right choice in an emergency, when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.”
Resident doctors work across almost every hospital service and play a vital role in patient care, including in emergency departments, wards and operating theatres.
NHS 111 is available 24/7 by phone, online and via the NHS App. It can assess symptoms, direct people to the most appropriate service, arrange urgent medication or dental care, and book appointments into local services such as Urgent Treatment Centres, GP practices or A&E where needed.
Dr Dowson also reassured patients about planned care during the period of industrial action.
“Some planned appointments may be affected, but we will always contact patients directly by phone if their appointment needs to be rearranged,” he said.
“If you do not hear from us, please continue to attend your appointment as planned.”
The Trust will continue to share updates through its website and social media channels and encourages people to check for the latest information before travelling.
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