North East NHS bosses have issued a strong warning to patients as junior doctors take part in four days of strike action that is expected to cause delays and disrupt care.
Leaders from the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) have warned patients that they can expect "long delays" as junior doctors commence strike action from today (August 11).
The British Medical Association (BMA) announced previously that junior doctors will take part in strike action from 7am on Friday, August 11 until Tuesday, August 15.
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Said strikes are now expected to heavily disrupt patient waiting times during the 4 day period, as well as immediately after when attendance at hospitals is said to "peak".
Medical Director at North East and North Cumbria's Integrated Care Board (ICB), Dr Alexandra Kent, has confirmed that the public should expect "more delays" as this latest phase of industrial action begins.
Dr Kent said: "The public can expect long delays and more disruption to NHS services during this latest period of industrial action.
"It has been even more challenging to plan for this strike action due to staff summer holiday leave, meaning there are fewer staff to help cover essential services."
To cope with the strikes, the ICB has confirmed NHS teams across the region have plans in place to cope with demand, as they urge the public to only call 999 in an emergency.
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Dr Kent added: "We are prioritising emergency and urgent care services, and we really need the public's help to only call 999 and attend emergency departments if it is a genuine life-threatening injury or illness.
"Some hospital treatments and appointments will need to be rescheduled. However patients will be contacted directly to inform them of any changes and should assume their scheduled appointment or treatment will go ahead 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."
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