NHS England issued advice to patients on 22 January 2023, ahead of ambulance strikes in England the following day, stating that emergency care remains available and that other health needs should be met through 111 online, pharmacies and general practice1. The advice was given by NHS Medical Director Professor Sir Stephen Powis1.
The message set out by NHS England covers three routes for patients. For life threatening emergencies, it says to call 9991. For other health needs, it points people to 111 online, where they will receive clinical advice on the best next steps to take1. It also states that local services such as pharmacies and general practice are not impacted by strike action and should be used as normal1.
"As with other ambulance strikes the message to patients remains that it is vital to come forward and seek emergency care if needed."
NHS England published the advice on 22 January 2023 and last updated the page on 23 January 20231. The advice refers to "other ambulance strikes", indicating that this was not the first period of industrial action by ambulance staff, but no further detail on the scale, duration or areas affected by the strikes is given in the published advice1. No figures for the number of staff involved, the number of trusts affected or expected service disruption have been reported in the advice1.
Why it matters for households
The advice applies to patients in England ahead of the strikes on 23 January 20231. NHS England's position is that emergency care should still be sought when needed, including by calling 999 for life threatening emergencies, and that 111 online provides clinical advice on the best next steps for other health needs1. It also states that pharmacies and general practice are not impacted by strike action and can be used as people normally would1. Households with someone who may need urgent help, and those who support people who need extra help, are affected by these arrangements from the day of the strikes1.
What happens next
NHS England has not set out any further dates or updates beyond the advice published on 22 January 2023 and last updated on 23 January 20231. For general guidance on preparing for health emergencies, see the health emergencies hub.
