Patients are urged to be aware of disruption to health services during the ongoing doctors’ strikes.

Both consultants and junior doctors are set to strike on the same day for the first time in NHS history tomorrow on September 20.

Consultants walked out at 7am this morning and will continue to strike until 7am on September 21.

Junior doctors’ industrial action will take place between 7am on September 20 and 7am on September 23.

The British Medical Association (BMA) has said there will be a Christmas Day level service for the consultants’ strike, meaning emergency departments will still be open but disruption and longer waits are likely.

However, patients who have not been told their planned appointments have been postponed should attend as normal.

NHS Frimley Integrated Care Board (ICB) has issued the following advice for patients during the strike:

Choose the most appropriate NHS service for your needs and only use 999 and A&E or Emergency Departments for serious or life-threatening emergencies.

For anything that isn’t a life-saving emergency, use an alternative NHS service and to use NHS 111 first either online or by phone.

Know it may take longer than expected to be seen and treated.

Collect family and friends from the hospital as soon as they are ready to be discharged.

To stay away from hospitals if showing the symptoms of flu or COVID-19 (or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19), unless it is an emergency.

Dr Lalitha Iyer, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Frimley ICB, said: “There are steps we can all take to make sure we use the most appropriate service for our needs and ensure that help can be prioritised to those who need it most.

“It’s very important that people who need medical care come forward, especially when someone has a life-threatening illness or injury.

“A range of services are available to ensure Accident and Emergency Departments (A&E) are freed up to treat those with life-threatening and critical illnesses or injuries. Care for life-threatening or serious illness/injury will be prioritised.

“If you are unwell or injured, it’s important to choose the right service to make sure you get the best treatment as quickly as possible.”

General practice, community pharmacies, and dentistry are all open and members of the public can access these services as needed when strikes are ongoing.