Resident doctor Industrial Action update: NHS Greater Manchester urges the public to only visit A&E for emergencies this weekend to help ease hospital pressures

NHS Greater Manchester is urging residents to only visit A&E for genuine emergencies this weekend as the six-day junior doctors strike continues. With hospitals already under pressure from the industrial action that began Tuesday morning and runs until Monday, health bosses warn that weekend demand will be even higher than usual.

The health service says teams have managed to keep most services running so far, but are asking the public to help by using alternative services for non-emergency care. Only life-threatening conditions like chest pain, severe bleeding, breathing difficulties, or stroke symptoms should prompt a 999 call or A&E visit.

For other health needs, residents can use NHS 111 (available 24/7 online, by phone, or through the NHS App), local pharmacies offering Pharmacy First services for conditions like earache and sore throats, or the Greater Manchester Dental Helpline on 0333 332 3800 for urgent dental problems. The helpline operates 8am-10pm daily, including weekends.

Dr Neil Bayman from The Christie NHS Foundation Trust said staff have done 'a fantastic job' keeping services running, but weekend pressures will be intense. Dr Michael Gregory from NHS England in the North West thanked both staff and the public for their patience, noting they're now at the midpoint of the strike action.