The NHS in the South West is preparing for another round of industrial action by resident doctors, who are due to strike from 7am tomorrow (Friday) until 7am on Wednesday 19 November.

Plans are in place to maintain services at near-normal levels, to minimise disruption for patients.

The key advice to the people across the region is to use emergency services as usual, if needed, and to attend any planned appointments unless they have been contacted to reschedule.

The strike – the 13^th since March 2023 – comes as the NHS is preparing for an early flu season and for winter.

Dr Trevor Smith, NHS England’s Regional Medical Director for the South West, said: “We’re doing all we can to make sure the impact on patients is minimised, as even one cancelled appointment means delay for someone who might need treatment, be in pain or is worried about a medical condition.

“We’re hugely grateful to those other staff who are willing to work even harder to provide cover, so services can run as normally as possible.

“That means we can ask people to use the NHS as they always do – dial 999 if it’s an emergency, use NHS 111, your GP and your pharmacist if it’s less urgent. And please go along to any routine appointment unless and until you’re contacted to say otherwise.”

Full advice for public and patients is available here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/information-for-the-public-on-industrial-action/