Junior doctor strike action begins across Herefordshire and Worcestershire
The action began at 7am today.
Junior doctors strike action has started today across Herefordshire and Worcestershire with a warning services will be impacted.
This began earlier, with a warning to patients to only attend in emergencies.
The action in England is the tenth strike since March 2023 in their ongoing dispute with the Government over pay.
Dr Julian Berlet, acting joint Chief Medical Officer, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: “With strikes taking place for a five-day period, we are expecting services to be under increased pressure. Our Emergency Department team will be working exceptionally hard prioritising patients with life or limb threatening injury and illness to provide lifesaving care for those patients in the greatest need. Patients whose condition is less serious may be asked to seek treatment elsewhere or face an extremely long wait.
“If your condition is less serious you can call 111 or visit 111 online, which is a free NHS Service. They can quickly direct you to the right health service, including out of hours GP appointments. Pharmacists can also help with a range of common conditions and minor injuries.
“Local people can play their part to help reduce pressures on services by only using 999 and A&E for genuine life-threatening emergencies and using NHS 111 online or by phone for other care needs or if you’re unsure about whether you should go to hospital.”
The Health Secretary say's the British Medical Association is "blocking talks, which could have avoided another five day strike".