Resident doctors are on strike for five days from today.
Members of the British Medical Association are taking industrial action over pay and training.
Formerly known as junior doctors, the BMA claims that the medics have experienced a real terms pay cut of 21 per cent since 2008/2009.
It is demanding a 26 per cent pay rise.
It added that there were not enough training places for resident doctors to go into specialisms after two years as a foundation doctor.
Resident doctors went on strike from 7am today Friday, November 14, and it will last until 7am on Wednesday November 19.
Health chiefs are warning the industrial action will have a major impact on services, as resident doctors make up almost 50 per cent of doctors in the NHS.
The five-day walkout will likely see planned appointments being postponed and longer waits in hospitals, while other health services are also expecting to be impacted, NHS chiefs said.
Professor Craig Harris, chief operating officer at NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, which organises health services for the region, said: “Winter months are always the busiest period for most NHS services, and we have already seen hospitals impacted earlier than usual with an increase in the number of flu and COVID-19 cases, among other winter illnesses.
“During industrial action, there is always a significant impact on services and there are plans in place to manage the disruption and protect emergency treatment.
“We will be doing all we can to avoid appointment cancellations, but unfortunately some appointments will be affected.
“However, we must stress that unless you hear from us, you should still attend as normal.
“Members of the public can play their part to help us during this difficult period by making sure they choose the right service – whether that is a pharmacy, GP, urgent treatment centre, or using NHS 111 Online for all non-emergency healthcare needs. In any life-threatening emergencies, please call 999 or attend A&E.”
Dr Neil O’Brien, chief medical officer for the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said: “Emergency and urgent care services will be prioritised during this time.
“If you have friends or loved ones in hospital, we urge you not to visit if you are unwell yourself or have been unwell in the past 48 hours, to help prevent further spread of viruses within our hospitals.
“GP practices and local pharmacies will still be open as usual during the industrial action to help with advice and treatments, as well as offering flu jab vaccinations, which we recommend everyone who is eligible to have it.”
The NHS is also reminding the public to keep their appointments unless they hear otherwise.
