Region's NHS urges public to come forward for care as usual – during GP collective action

The region's NHS is reminding the public to come forward for care as usual, and to help by choosing the right service for their needs, as collective action by GP services starts today. 

While the NHS has plans in place to help manage any impact - it is reminding the public that GP surgeries will be open, and of other options available such as pharmacy and NHS 111 online or by phone.  As well as urging people to keep A&E and 999 free for life-threatening emergencies only.

David Purdue, executive chief nurse at the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: "We recognise that GPs are facing significant challenges and also the valuable service they, and their teams, provide to our communities.

"We would like to remind people that GP surgeries will remain open, so please attend any appointments unless you hear otherwise and continue to seek the help you need from your GP.

"For non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries people can also contact 111 online or by phone and or go their local pharmacist for help. Please keep A&E and 999 for life threatening situations only.

"If you think you might need to go to a hospital or an urgent treatment centre but you're not sure - NHS111 is available 24 hours a day,7 days a week online or by phone. 

"It's really important that in emergency and life-threatening cases people continue to come forward - A&E and 999 services will be running as normal. If someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, please call 999.

"The public can also help by ordering repeat prescriptions in plenty of time – please don’t wait until it's too late. Remember it can take up to 72 hours to order a prescription and have it dispensed so please check with your pharmacy."

Anyone needing urgent help for a mental health crisis can call NHS111 and select option 2. Local crisis team phone numbers are available on the NHS website here.