PATIENTS in Cumbria have been offered advice ahead of a planned strike by junior doctors.

They have been urged to only attend hospital accident and emergency departments if they have a serious illness.

The industrial action in the long-running contract dispute with the government is due to start at 8am tomorrow.

It will finish at 8am on Friday.

Some planned operations and outpatient appointments have been cancelled.

Advice for patients

  • Emergency care will be provided by junior doctors during this strike. Always call 999 or go to your local A&E for things such as chest pain, suspected stroke or broken bones
  • For minor problems such as indigestion or grazed knees, people should self-care with medication such as plasters, paracetamol and antacids from home or a pharmacy
  • For minor infections, coughs and colds, or sore throats, expert advice can be given by your local pharmacist
  • For ailments such as stomach pain and vomiting, a persistent cough or ear pain you should call your GP surgery, visit your local minor injuries unit or call 111
  • If you have an outpatient appointment booked then it should still go ahead unless you have been told otherwise by telephone or letter.

Dr David Rogers, medical director for NHS Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "We have already seen our contingency plans tested by strike action by junior doctors.

"Our first priority is patient safety and we can reassure the public that all NHS organisations in Cumbria have tried and tested plans in place.

"As ever, we would urge people using NHS services to 'help us to help you' by using the right service for your needs.

"A&E is for serious and life threatening injuries and conditions."

The new contract requires medics to work more weekends and lose extra weekend pay in exchange for a basic salary increase of 13.5 per cent, with the government believing it will deliver a 'seven-day NHS'.

However, doctors are worried the plans will create unsafe shift patterns and put lives at risk.

The next planned industrial action will take place on Tuesday, April 26 and Wednesday, April 27 and will see the full withdrawal of labour by junior doctors - everyone up to consultant level - between 8am and 5pm on both days.