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

The Royal College of Nursing has announced plans for 48 hours of strike action from 8pm Sunday 30 April to 8pm Tuesday 2 May 2023.

Dr Jess Sokolov, Medical Director for NHS England in the Midlands said: “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.  We understand that any changes to care will be frustrating, but would like to remind patients to treat all of our staff with respect in their interactions with them.”