'Significant distruption' to hit Greater Manchester NHS this weekend - what to do if you need medical help

Hospitals are anticipated to be seriously strained this weekend as doctors continue their five-day walkout - the longest strike in NHS history so far.

Junior doctors in the British Medical Association, which include thousands of newly-qualified doctors to medics who have spent years in the service, started their latest strike on July 13. The staff will come back to wards on Tuesday, but NHS chiefs are warning that there will be huge challenges in the meantime as consultants are brought in to cover emergency care.

Greater Manchester NHS bosses are urging the public to use the NHS 111 online service if they are not facing an emergency, but cannot wait to speak to a GP this weekend.

Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features.

Services are likely to be impacted as junior doctors at all the city region’s NHS hospitals strike, warns NHS Greater Manchester. "NHS 111 Online is the best first course of action, unless the issue concerns a child under 5, when they should call 111," said a spokesperson for the region's health service.

"Lots of illnesses can also be managed safely at home, or with a trip to a local pharmacist. Patient safety is the number one priority and NHS Greater Manchester continues to put plans in place so those who need urgent care will receive it; prioritising those needing emergency treatment such as threats to life and limb, critical care, neonatal care, and trauma.

"To ensure people’s urgent needs can be met, the public should only call 999 or go to an emergency department if it is a medical or mental health emergency, when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk."

The NHS is about to be hit again with more action next week, as