As the NHS works hard to make sure services continue throughout the current industrial action Cumbrian’s are urged to use the NHS wisely.
The British Medical Association (BMA) announced that junior doctors will take part in five days of industrial action from 7am Thursday 13 July until 7am Tuesday 18 July 2023.
This will be closely followed by two days of industrial action by hospital consultants and hospital dentists, taking place from 7am on Thursday 20 July until 7am on Saturday 22 July. 
Dr Louise Buchanan, associate medical director said: “Services will be disrupted over the coming days but our local communities can help us by making sure 999 and A&E are only used for urgent and life-threatening situations.
“Some appointments and treatment have had to be rescheduled to allow us to prioritise those who need us the most. If you have an appointment with us please attend unless we contact you to rearrange - there is no need to contact us.
“We have plans in place to keep emergency and urgent care services running throughout the strikes, but patients should expect disruption and potentially long waits during and immediately after the strike period.
“If you have urgent health needs, that are not life threatening, it’s important to use 111 online or by phone which is available 24/7."
Dr Neil O'Brien, executive medical director, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board said:
"We are planning for significant disruption to many services during these latest periods of industrial action. Whilst plans are in place across the region to help ensure a safe level of care, it remains challenging, partly due to the time of year coinciding with staff planned annual leave, meaning fewer staff are available. However, help will be provided to those patients who need it the most during this time, with emergency and urgent care services being prioritised.
"This latest industrial action includes the longest period of strike action so far and it is inevitable that many planned appointments and treatments will be rearranged. Patients will be contacted directly to inform them of any changes, and should assume their scheduled appointment or treatment will go ahead unless they have heard otherwise, there is no need to contact the NHS.
"GP practices and local pharmacies will also be open as usual during the industrial action to help with advice and treatments."
Public are reminded for urgent health needs, which are not life-threatening, www.111.nhs.uk and NHS 111 are available 24 hours a day. A symptom checker can be used to assess symptoms and it will re-direct to a health professional if people need to be seen by someone. Also, self-care advice is available on-line from the NHS at www.nhs.uk.