NHS plans for 3-day strike action

Patients should attend NHS appointments unless they have heard otherwise during the industrial action that will impact on NHS services across the region this week.

Industrial action by British Medical Association (BMA) members will affect NHS services across the North East and North Cumbria, however, emergency, and urgent care services are being prioritised to remain open.

Dr Neil O’Brien executive medical director, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board said: “Robust plans are in place right across our region to ensure a good and safe level of care is provided to those patients who need help during this time, with emergency and urgent care services being prioritised.

"It's likely some appointments and treatments will need to be postponed; these will be rearranged as a priority. However, patients should assume their scheduled appointment or treatment will take place unless they have heard otherwise, there is no need to contact the NHS.

“GP practices and local pharmacies will also be open as usual during the industrial action to help with advice and treatments.

“Junior doctors are highly valued members of the NHS, providing skilled support to frontline services. Teams have worked hard to plan for this industrial action using learning from previous industrial action that has affected the NHS, I’d like to thank everyone involved for their input to keep patients safe during this time.”