Warnings issued by hospital chiefs over doctor strike

HOSPITAL bosses have warned disruption is inevitable and patients should “expect long delays” as resident doctors begin five days of strike action today.

- SAM VOLPE

While as much normal hospital activity as possible will continue, health chiefs said, people should make sure only to use accident and emergency in life-threatening situations.

Resident doctors formerly known as junior doctors are taking action in a dispute with the government over pay and conditions.

The walkout is due to begin at 7am today and last until the same time on July 30.

Ahead of this, bosses at North East hospitals have shared guidance and advice for patients.

This includes Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust which runs the Freeman and Royal Victoria Infirmary hospitals. On the trust's website, bosses wrote: “Patient safety is our number one priority so we will be adjusting our services and the way we staff them to make sure quality of care is not compromised. On the days of strikes, we will prioritise emergency treatment and patients seeking urgent treatment will be seen. Unfortunately, this means we may have to reschedule some routine appointments and procedures and we will be contacting patients directly to let them know.