IN response to the planned industrial action, the NHSin south Essex is calling on local people to help minimise disruption as far as possible and to safeguard patient care.

Junior doctors at all major hospitals in the mid and south Essex area are scheduled to strike for three days, starting at 7am on Wednesday, 20 December, and ending at 7am on Saturday, 23 December.

This will be followed by a more prolonged strike, beginning at 7am on Wednesday, 3 January, and concluding at 7am on Tuesday, 9 January.

Local people are being urged to plan ahead if they take prescribed medication regularly, by making sure they have enough to last until the New Year. 

GP practices across mid and south Essex will be closed between Saturday 24 and Tuesday 27 December. They will reopen on Wednesday 28 December until Friday 30 December. They will then close again between Saturday 31 December and Monday 2 January, with normal service resuming from Tuesday 3 January.

Urgent and emergency services will be under pressure and waiting times for care may be considerably longer than usual.

 Additionally, some routine and pre-planned appointments may need to be postponed due to having to reprioritise those with urgent needs during industrial action. Patients affected by these changes being contacted directly.

Dr Matthew Sweeting, Interim Medical Director for NHS Mid and South Essex, commented: "Health and care partners are working closely together to minimise disruption and ensure those in greatest need continue to have access to high quality care and support during the days of industrial action. I am personally sorry to any of you who have planned activity cancelled over this period but thank you for your understanding. 

"The public can help us by thinking carefully about any medication needs early and considering their healthcare options and getting advice when needed from NHS 111. Please remember that NHS111 online is very useful for non-urgent matters, or you can seek advice from your local pharmacy or nhs.uk Health A-Z symptom checker. We will also be providing advice through our local NHS social media channels.

"While the festive season is a time of celebration, it's important to remember to stay safe. We're advising residents to thoughtfully consider their care choices before contacting health services or turning up at Accident and Emergency departments."