Industrial action Friday 14 November - Wednesday 19 November
The NHS in the West and East Midlands is urging patients to continue coming forward for care as thousands of resident doctors are expected to go on strike.
Industrial action will occur from 7.00 a.m. today (Friday 14 November) until 7.00 a.m. on Wednesday 19 November. Hospital teams across the West and East Midlands are working round the clock to ensure disruption is minimised for patients.
Plans are in place to continue life-saving care as normal, while hospitals are working to keep routine operations going as much as possible - only rescheduling appointments in exceptional circumstances in the interests of patient safety.
The NHS is warning that industrial action comes at an already challenging time for the service as winter pressures such as rising flu cases and staff absences will have an impact.
During the last round of strikes in July, the NHS maintained the majority of operations, tests, and procedures despite the disruption, as well as dealing with urgent and emergency cases.
The public are advised to attend any planned appointments scheduled during the strikes unless they have been contacted to reschedule.
Primary and urgent and emergency care services will continue to be available for those who need them.
The public should use 111 online as the first port of call for urgent but not life-threatening issues during industrial action so that they can be directed to the best place for their needs.
Patients who need emergency medical care should continue to use 999 or come forward to A&E as normal.