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As the industrial action by Junior Doctors comes towards its close at 06:59am on the morning of Saturday 15th April, healthcare leaders in the Wigan Borough continue to call on the public to play their part by choosing the right healthcare for their needs.
Professor Sanjay Arya, Medical Director at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Dr Tim Dalton, Co-Chair Healthier Wigan System Board and Chair of the Greater Manchester GP Provider Board, have come forward to thank the people of the Borough for their support so far, but urge that this must continue in order to maintain urgent and emergency care services for those who need it most.
Prof. Arya said: “Our incredible staff across the health and social care system have once again stepped forward to meet significant challenges since the four-day Easter Bank Holiday and have continued to do so throughout this period of industrial action so far, and I must thank everyone for everything they are doing.
“I would also like to thank our people in the Wigan Borough who have accessed our Emergency Department responsibly. I must stress that our teams are here to provide care to anyone who needs it, and if you have a life, limb or sight-threatening condition then of course, you should access our A&E.
“If a condition is not life, limb or sight-threatening, there are many more ways you can access help and support. Please continue to use NHS 111 online in the first instance or alternative services such as your GP, pharmacy or local urgent treatment centre like the one we have at Leigh Infirmary.
“Please continue to use these services when this industrial action period comes to an end tomorrow. This will help us treat those who need urgent and emergency care quicker and by the right healthcare professionals, at the right time and in the right place.
“You can also help us to help your loved ones by being available to support them when they are ready to be discharged from our hospitals. This is really important for the care and comfort of your loved ones and friends, and also helps our teams to free up hospital beds for patients waiting to be admitted.”
Speaking about the recent pressure NHS services have faced across the Wigan Borough, Dr Dalton added:
“Alongside WWL’s Emergency Department, our GP practices and pharmacies have been very busy over the past week, but as Professor Arya says, our NHS services across the Borough are absolutely here for you to use should you need them.
“We are extremely grateful that the vast majority of the public do use our services in the way they are intended, and we would very much appreciate your continued support.”
If you need medical help or advice, NHS 111 Online can tell you where to get help for your symptoms and how to find general health information and advice. More information about when to call 999 and when to go to A&E is available via the national NHS website.
Please contact NHS 111 if:
- You need medical help fast, but it's not a 999 emergency.
- You don't know who to call for medical help or you don't have a GP to call.
- You think you need to go to A&E or another NHS urgent care service.
- You require health information or reassurance about what to do next.
GP services are also available on evenings and weekends by calling 01942 482848 to book an appointment at a local GP hub.