Published on: 23 July 2025
NHS leaders have issued a plea to think about where to seek help before heading to the Emergency Department or calling 999 ahead of five days of industrial action by doctors.
Resident Doctors who are members of the British Medical Association (BMA) will strike from 7am on Friday, July 25, until 7am on Wednesday, July 30.
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust has put plans in place to make sure safe care continues to be offered while industrial action takes place.
It has issued a call for people to play their part in supporting healthcare services during this time by only using emergency care when really need.
NHS 111 Online offers advice 24/7 and can direct people where to seek treatment and support.
GP surgeries will remain open and pharmacies are also a source of help and advice.
Dr Sean Fenwick is the Trust’s Director of Operations and is also the co-chair of North East and North Cumbria Urgent and Emergency Care Network.
He said:
"Our Emergency Departments are always very busy. We’re expecting them to be under even greater pressure during this time of industrial action.
"We will have safe levels of care available at our hospitals. As ever, we will need to prioritise treatment for those who are most seriously unwell or injured.
"That means anyone else could be waiting a long time and then might still be asked to seek treatment elsewhere.
"That is why we are asking people to think where they need to seek help before coming to hospital.
"We have rescheduled some appointments as we prepared for industrial action. Unless you have heard otherwise, please still come for your visit."
NHS 111 Online offers a symptom checker. It can guide people to the service they need, while self-care advice is available online from the NHS at nhs.uk.
Details of pharmacies can be found via this page: Find a Pharmacy
Anyone needing help for their mental health can visit this page: Check your mental health symptoms
