RESIDENTS are being urged to use health and care services ‘wisely’ in Shropshire when the next round of strikes takes place later this week.

Healthcare leaders across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin say they expect significant disruption for patients during the latest round of strike action after the British Medical Association (BMA) has announced that junior doctors will take part in a five-day, industrial action strike, from 7am on Thursday, July 13 until 7am on Tuesday, July 18.

Senior doctors and hospital consultants will then also be striking for a further 48 hours, from 7am on Thursday July 20 until 7am on Saturday July 22.

During those times, people are being urged to use NHS 111 online if they are unsure on where to go, and only attend an emergency department if it’s absolutely necessary to ensure that care is available to patients who need it during the planned industrial action.

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Alison Bussey, chief nursing officer at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care Board, said: “During the industrial action, the NHS services and hospital services in particular, will be working really hard to keep important services like protect emergency treatment, critical care, neonatal care, maternity, and trauma open and running smoothly.

“General practices, community pharmacies and minor injury units will remain open and will be there to help and support you."

Leaders say the strikes will impact both routine and emergency care.