Hospital patients warned of doctor strike disruption

Health chiefs are calling on people to only go to accident and emergency units for life-threatening conditions or injuries, as hospitals doctors begin a five-day strike.

- by Tom Patterson

Resident doctors who are members of the British Medical Association (BMA) began industrial action at 7am today, which will continue until 7am Wednesday, November 19.

The strike will affect NHS services across the North East, and patients are being warned to expect disruption and potential long waits during the strike—and during the following days, when patient attendance often peaks.

The North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board says people who have existing appointments during the strike should attend them unless they hear otherwise.

NHS leaders are also reminding people to only call 999 for an ambulance for a life-threatening situation.