Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is asking people to think carefully about the care they need and choose the right service during upcoming industrial action by resident doctors.
Unions have announced a five‑day walkout from Monday 15th June to Friday 19th June 2026.
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 well established plans in place to keep patients safe, but this industrial action will place additional pressure on our services,” said Dr Dowson.
“We’re asking people to think about the care they need and choose the most appropriate option. If it’s not an emergency, NHS 111 online, the NHS App and our Urgent Treatment Centres can offer quick advice and treatment.”
“A&E and 999 should always be used in a genuine 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 need to be rearranged, and we will always contact patients directly if this is the case,” 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.