Dr Neil O'Brien

“Winter viruses can make some people seriously ill. If you're eligible for a vaccine, now is the time to make your appointment. Vaccination greatly reduces the risk of serious illness and getting protected ahead of winter gives you the best chance of staying well when these viruses are circulating.”

“So please only call 999 and attend emergency departments if it is a genuine life-threatening injury or illness.”

“So please only call 999 and attend emergency departments if it is a genuine life-threatening injury or illness.”

“We're continuing to engage with LMCs and general practice colleagues across the region with regards to the Medicines LES and wider basket of services. Our focus remains on developing consistent, equitable services for patients across the North East and North Cumbria, informed by ongoing feedback from practices.”

“It's so important that we make sure that our hospitals and 999 services are kept free to look after those who really do need emergency care.”

“People can expect long delays and more disruption to NHS services during the industrial action. Emergency and urgent care services will be prioritised during this time, so we really need the public's understanding to only call 999 and attend emergency departments if it is a genuine life-threatening injury or illness.”

“We've done a lot more planning this year, we feel we're in the best position we can be, but we're still expecting it to be very busy.”

“This strike has come at a time when NHS services are seeing increased demand due to the early spread of winter viruses, such as flu, in our communities and also amongst hospital staff, meaning fewer staff to cover.”

“This strike has come at a time when NHS services are seeing increased demand due to the early spread of winter viruses, such as flu, in our communities and also amongst hospital staff, meaning fewer staff to cover.”