People across the South East are being urged to keep coming forward for NHS care as resident doctors are set begin their latest round of strikes next week.

This is the 16th time that resident doctors have taken strike action since March 2023 and this round will run from 7am on Monday 15 June to 6.59am on Friday 19 June.

The strike coincides with more expected hot weather and the start of the men’s football World Cup, with concerns that both could place further pressure on emergency departments.

People are being told to use NHS 111 online as their first port of call for non-emergency medical advice – meaning urgent and emergency services remain available for those who need them most.

Clinicians are also encouraging people who have appointments and procedures booked to keep coming forward for care, unless told otherwise.

Dr Christopher Tibbs, Medical Director for NHS England South East, said: “The NHS now has considerable experience at managing industrial action. Across the region hospitals and general practice will be doing everything they can to keep as many appointments and procedures going as possible and minimise disruption to patients.

“Despite these huge efforts, it is inevitable that this latest round of strikes will put extra pressure on the health service with staff not involved in industrial action working extra hours to maintain services for patients. We are hugely grateful to those staff for all they are doing to ensure safe services for patients.

“The NHS is still here for patients, but we really do need people to use it wisely. Of course, if it is a life or limb emergency then call 999, but for non-urgent needs use NHS 111 online, speak to your pharmacist or contact your GP.”

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