NHS help, care and support will remain available across Norfolk and Waveney during the period of industrial action by resident doctors from 7.00 a.m. on Wednesday December 17 to 7.00 a.m. on Monday December 22.

This latest round of disruption comes as the NHS is managing the busy winter period, with increased pressure on services due the big rise in flu cases and respiratory conditions.

Those with planned appointments and procedures should attend as normal unless they are informed otherwise.  GP practices and dental surgeries will be open as usual.

Flu and COVID walk-in vaccination clinics will continue operating – with all the information at www.winterwellnorfolkwaveney.co.uk.

People are reminded to use NHS 111 online or call 111 if they need urgent medical advice or are unsure about their symptoms. This service can often provide advice immediately and, where necessary, direct patients to appropriate services, including arranging home visits or timed appointments at emergency departments.

Local pharmacies are a great source of help and advice with no appointment needed.

For life-threatening emergencies people should continue to call 999 or attend their nearest emergency department without delay.

How you can help support the NHS during this period:

• Only call 999 or attend emergency departments for genuine emergencies, such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulties, stroke symptoms, or uncontrolled bleeding.
• For urgent mental health support call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
• For non-urgent health concerns contact your GP practice or pharmacist.
• If you have a hospital appointment and have not been contacted about any changes, please attend as planned. If you cannot attend, contact the number on your appointment letter to allow the slot to be reallocated.
• Visit the dedicated local website for lots of useful winter health and wellbeing advice – www.winterwellnorfolkwaveney.co.uk.

Dr Frankie Swords, Executive Medical Director NHS Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care Board, said: “People should be assured that staff and services across the NHS will still be on hand to provide care and support to those who need it.

“However, there is no denying that this is a very busy time, so please do all you can to help, by choosing the right service for your health care needs.”

For further information and FAQs about the industrial action, please visit the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System website.