PATIENTS are being told to expect disruption as doctors start their five-day strike in England, with NHS bosses saying they are struggling to keep as many services going as they have done in recent walkouts.

NHS England said with a wave of flu placing pressure on hospitals, non-urgent services would be affected by the strike, which began at 07:00 Wednesday.

This is the 14th walkout by resident doctors, the new name for junior doctors, in the long-running pay dispute.

The British Medical Association (BMA) announced that resident doctors are planning to take continuous industrial action from 7am on Wednesday 17 December to 7am Monday 22 December.

A spokesperson at PAH said: “Patient safety is our absolute priority, and we are adjusting services and our staffing to maintain quality care.

Here’s what you need to know:

Some appointments, procedures and operations may be postponed or rearranged and will be rescheduled as a priority, in order of highest clinical need.

You will be contacted if your appointment changes; if not, please attend as usual. Please do not try to call the booking line, as we anticipate a high call volume.

During this period, for non-urgent health needs, please consult your pharmacist, GP or NHS111.

If your health need is serious or life-threatening, please continue to contact 999 or attend the Emergency Department (ED).

Maternity services and critical services for our inpatients are still available during this period.
Thank you for your support and understanding.