Junior doctors strike - updated information for patients

The national strike action planned for today (1 December) by junior doctors in England has been suspended as the British Medical Association (BMA) reached an agreement with the Government late last night to negotiate further.

In preparation of the planned strike, last week a number of patients were contacted by The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust and were told their appointment will have to be postponed and rescheduled. The elective planned non-emergency operations and a number of out-patient clinics that have been cancelled today are not being reinstated.

Patients who have had their operation or clinic cancelled will be contacted directly by the Trust to rearrange their appointment.

A&E departments and urgent care services are operatingas usual but the public are encouraged to think twice before coming to A&E unless their condition is urgent. People are also reminded of the other healthcare options available instead of coming to A&E or dialling 999 – such as visiting their pharmacist or GP, calling NHS 111 or using NHS Choices ( www.nhs.uk).