Industrial action by resident doctors - formerly known as junior doctors - began at 7am this morning and is scheduled to continue until 7am on Wednesday 30 July. 

It is likely to cause disruption, with NHS Trusts across Cheshire and Merseyside set to be significantly impacted. 

We are urging the public to attend any planned appointments unless contacted directly by the NHS to reschedule, and to use the NHS 111 service if you need urgent help and aren’t sure what to do.

In other news, 3 July marked a pivotal moment for the NHS with the publication of the 10 Year Health Plan for England, which outlines the vision to make care more personalised, integrated and available closer to home through three major shifts: 1) Hospital to community 2) Analogue to digital and 3) Sickness to prevention.

Key to this ambition is an emphasis on neighbourhood health, which will bring professionals together to deliver care as locally as possible.

Across Cheshire and Merseyside, we’ve already seen the benefits of integrated teams working in local communities to support people with complex needs.

The 10 Year Plan’s commitment to expanding neighbourhood health gives us the opportunity to build upon this work with our health, local authority and voluntary sector partners - ensuring care is more accessible, personalised and preventative.

We also recognise the paramount importance of keeping people safe. The newly published Penny Dash review into patient safety presents clear insights and urgent recommendations for improving how we protect patients across the NHS. Safety must always remain the foundation of everything we do.

We all have a role to play with keeping each other safe too, as we were reminded recently by Alder Hey Children’s Hospital’s open letter to parents and carers about a rise in measles cases.

I want to reinforce the message from colleagues at Alder Hey and our public health leaders and urge everyone to check their MMR vaccination status.

Finally, as we approach one year on from the Southport tragedy, our thoughts remain with the families of Alice, Bebe, and Elsie Dot - and all those affected. This open letter from Sefton Council reflects the deep compassion and solidarity that defines our region. On 29 July, we will pause for a three-minute silence at 3pm to remember and reflect. Support is available on the Sefton Council website.

Best wishes,
Cathy Elliott

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Chair Raj Jain to retire in October 2025

Raj Jain has announced his decision to retire from his post as Chair of NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (ICB), confirming that he will step down in October 2025.

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside colleagues share learning at Mental Health Discharge event

The event aimed to address challenges and identify opportunities to improve system flow for adults with mental health conditions.

Stories that shape tomorrow powered by young people

Beyond, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s children and young people’s transformation programme, held their third annual conference with youth voice at the forefront.

Public urged to use NHS 111 during doctor strikes

People across Cheshire and Merseyside are being urged to use NHS 111 for all non-emergency healthcare needs during the industrial action by resident doctors (previously known as junior doctors).

Help shape the future of A&E services in Southport, Formby and West Lancashire

A public consultation has been launched asking people to share their views on where A&E services across Southport, Formby and West Lancashire should be located.

Changes to gluten free bread and bread mixes prescribing

Following a recent public consultation, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board has agreed that prescribing of gluten free bread and bread mixes will stop for adults aged over 18.

One million milestone: CDCs transform diagnostics in Cheshire and Merseyside

David Titchfield, from Lymm, was the millionth patient to be treated at a Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in Cheshire and Merseyside after he attended the Warrington and Halton Diagnostics Centre on Monday 16 June.

New strategy launched to improve breastfeeding and infant feeding support

The strategy has been co-produced with partners and shaped by the lived experiences of parents, carers, health professionals and community organisations.

New NHS guidance helps GPs to support families after the death of a child

The guidance was created in close consultation with bereaved parents and published to coincide with Child Death Awareness Week (1 to 7 July).

New NHS surgical centre officially opened

The ribbon has been cut to mark the official opening of the new Cheshire and Merseyside Surgical Centre, part of the Victoria Infirmary in Northwich.

Neurodiversity support resources in Cheshire East

NHS Cheshire and Merseyside in Cheshire East commissioned the national charity Contact, in partnership with co-production specialists Genuine Partnerships and the Cheshire East Parent Carer Forum, to co-produce a suite of new materials to support neurodivergent children, young people, and their families.

The project was led by a neurodivergent graphic designer and a Cheshire East-based project manager, both of whom are parent carers with lived experience, and the resources were developed together with parents, practitioners, and neurodivergent young people.

Every child and young person has unique needs, and the support provided to them should be tailored to respond to them. This initiative aims to empower families with clear, accessible information so they can make informed decisions and access the right support, at the right time.

Beat the heat

Most people love a bit of sunshine, but sometimes the heat can be too much, especially for older people, babies, and those with health conditions. Find tips on how to beat the heat and stay safe this summer. 

Measles cases are rising

Going away in the school holidays? Make sure your child is protected from measles. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provides lifelong protection – if they’re not up to date, contact your GP before you travel.

Norovirus cases remain high

Despite being known as the 'winter vomiting bug', norovirus can spread all year round, and we’re seeing higher than usual levels this spring. Find out what to do to stop the spread.

Health services in your pocket

Make more time for making memories this summer. The NHS App gives you quick and convenient healthcare advice and access to local NHS services, wherever you are holidaying in the UK.

NHS 111 mental health option

If you need urgent help for your mental health, you can call 111 and select the mental health option. 111 will tell you the right place to get help.

Cervical screening saves lives

If you have received an invitation for cervical screening or missed your last screening, please don’t wait - book an appointment with your GP practice now.

A new £11 million health centre will offer new MRI and CT services to more than 30,000 patients a year.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC), has found improvements in two services run by Liverpool University Hospitals.

Cutting-edge technology is helping to deliver faster, more efficient care at the hospital.

The service at the Mid Cheshire Hospital Foundation Trust (MCHFT) is funded by the Mid Cheshire Hospital Charity, working in partnership with the Anne Robson Trust.

The Royal Liverpool University Hospital's 11-storey ward block has been demolished, with contractors now preparing the site for redevelopment.