The NHS in North East and Yorkshire is urging patients to continue coming forward for care with  resident doctors expected to go on strike following the Easter bank holiday.

Industrial action begins at 7am on Tuesday April 7 until 7am on Monday 13 April and NHS teams across the region are working round the clock to ensure disruption is minimised for patients.

With health services expected to be busy over the long weekend, and resident doctors due to start industrial action for six days, NHS clinicians are encouraging the public to understand the best ways to access care so that urgent and emergency services remain available for those who need them most.

Dr Hamish McLure, Regional Medical Director for NHS North East and Yorkshire, said:

“We know industrial action can be worrying for patients, particularly following a bank holiday, when services are often busier, but there are robust plans in place across the region to keep services running safely. Urgent and emergency care will continue to be available, and people should continue to attend appointments as planned unless they are contacted directly.

“Our teams are working closely with clinical colleagues to prioritise patient safety and make sure those who need care most can still access it. We are also grateful to all staff for their continued hard work and dedication during this time.”

The NHS is still here for patients, and people are encouraged to use services wisely. In an emergency, they should always call 999. For non-urgent needs, people are advised to use the NHS App, NHS 111 online, speak to a pharmacist or contact their GP.

NHS 111 online works in the same way as the 111 phone service and is widely used by people seeking quick advice on how to access the care they need. It can arrange a call back from a trained clinician or nurse, book an appointment at A&E, or provide direct medical advice.

For more information about industrial action and how you can use NHS services wisely during this time, visit: NHS England » Information for the public on industrial action.