NHS patients in the Midlands are advised to still seek urgent care if they need it during industrial action planned by junior doctors next week.

The NHS will contact anyone whose appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action. If the NHS has not contacted you, it is important to attend appointments as planned.

The first port of call from any non-emergency health needs is to visit NHS 111 online.

Community pharmacies, and dentistry are not impacted by strike action and the public should continue to access these services as needed on strike days.

Anyone with a life-threatening medical issue should still call 999.

In all cases, priority will be given to those patients with the most clinically urgent health needs.

Junior doctors in England are planning to take strike action for 72 hours from 7am on Monday 13 March.

Dr Colette Marshall, Regional Medical Director for Commissioning at NHS England in the Midlands: “The NHS has been using the tried and tested methods in previous strike actions to manage any disruption and we will continue to work hard to minimise the impact for patients.

“But the strike action will impact hospitals, mental health services, GPs and other NHS services.

“I would urge people to continue to come forward for medical treatment as needed, by using 111 online for non-life-threatening medical issues, or by visiting your local pharmacy or General Practice.

“For life-threatening emergencies please dial 999

“NHS teams are working hard to maintain routine care as much as possible so please attend your planned and booked appointments unless you are contacted to rearrange.”

The NHS has prepared extensively for industrial action and winter, with plans already in place to manage additional demand including 24/7 control centres, additional bed capacity, more mental health support for ambulance services and more community falls services.

Late last year NHS England issued guidance to local NHS employers on what derogations they should seek from local union representatives to ensure certain vital services such as chemotherapy continues.