Patients in the Midlands are advised to use NHS services wisely as the bank holiday weekend and latest strike action approaches.

Anyone needing urgent medical care should still seek it, and patients should also attend planned appointments, unless the NHS contacts them to rearrange.

Bank holiday opening times may vary for local services such as community pharmacies, dentistry, and GP surgeries, but these will remain open during the strike action taking place from 7am on Tuesday 11 April to 7am Saturday 15 April, so people can access them in the usual way during that period.

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

You can also find out about your local NHS services online at www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/services-near-you/

Anyone with a life-threatening medical issue should still call 999 and in all cases priority will be given to those with the most medically urgent needs.

Dr Colette Marshall, Regional Medical Director for Commissioning at NHS England in the Midlands: “NHS staff will be working incredibly hard, as ever, and this is always a busy time for our services so we would ask patients to use them wisely.

“There will be an impact on services due to the strikes but the NHS has tried and tested methods to manage any disruption and we will continue using these, while asking for the support of patients.

“Please continue to come forward for your planned appointments unless you have been contacted to rearrange, and seek medical treatment as needed, by using 111 online for non-life-threatening medical issues, or by visiting your local pharmacy or General Practice.

“For any life-threatening emergencies please dial 999.”

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.