Junior doctors are planning to take industrial action for four days from Tuesday 11 April. The strike is likely to cause disruption to hospital, mental health, GP and community pharmacy services.

During strike action, the NHS will prioritise resources to protect key areas including emergency treatment, critical care, neonatal care, and trauma. The NHS will only cancel appointments and procedures where it is necessary and we will reschedule these immediately, where possible.

If you have not been contacted by the NHS, please attend your appointment as planned – the NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.

The NHS is asking patients to choose services wisely during industrial action and take simple steps to help ensure that care is available to those who need it most. This includes using 111 online first for health needs and continuing to only use 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency.

It is really important that those who need urgent medical care continue to come forward, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases, when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.

If you need medical help or advice, or you’re unsure about whether you should go to hospital, go to NHS 111 online.  If it is a life-threatening emergency, you should still call 999.

The NHS is also asking the public to play their part by taking simple steps during industrial action to look after themselves, loved ones and checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.

For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E on the NHS UK website.  If you cannot access 111 online, you can call 111.