Berkshire patients are urged to follow the advice when accessing healthcare services amid the imminent junior doctors’ strike.

Junior doctors are set to strike for four days between August 11 and August 15 amid an ongoing pay dispute.

Health trusts in Berkshire are advising patients to be aware of what the industrial action will mean for appointments.

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust warned that some appointments will be rescheduled amid the strike.

A spokesperson said: “To help us manage the impact of junior doctor’s industrial action which runs from 11 to 15 August we have had to reschedule some appointments.

“We are very sorry for any inconvenience but we must ensure we keep patients who are currently in the hospital safe. If we haven’t contacted you to reschedule then please attend your appointment as planned.

“We are doing everything we can to prioritise patients with the highest clinical needs, including patients who have already waited a long time for their treatment. Please be patient and understanding with our staff, they are working as hard as possible to care for you and keep you safe.”

They added that the Emergency Department is likely to be very busy during the strike and that patients in genuine need of emergency care will have to be prioritised.

Patients with less serious conditions are warned to expect a long wait.

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust patients are also advised to be aware of any updates.

Dr Timothy Ho, the Trust's Medical Director said: “Staff continue to work hard to provide patients with the best possible care during the strike period.

“Routine appointments may be rescheduled. If you have not been contacted by the Trust, we would advise that you attend your appointment as planned, but please continue to check for updates.”

On the other hand, a Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson has said they do not expect major disruption to services.

They said: “Berkshire Healthcare has experienced minimal impact and we have been planning for this strike well in advance.

“We haven't had to cancel any routine appointments and we’ve been able to maintain staffing levels at our inpatient wards, allowing us to continue to provide high-quality, safe patient care.”

The strikes come amid nine months of NHS industrial action. Consultants are also set to strike this month on 24 and 25 August.

Professor Philip Banfield, council chair at the BMA, which represents junior doctors, said: “Throughout this year’s industrial action by doctors in England we have prioritised patient safety. During junior doctors’ strikes senior clinicians have provided emergency cover, while consultants themselves have delivered adequate staffing levels to cover any patient requiring emergency care during their own industrial action – as they would on Christmas Day.”

“If people require emergency care during any strikes, they will be seen and should not hesitate in contacting services. Employers have had plenty of notice to plan ahead and release other staff from non-urgent care before, during and after each piece of industrial action. And we have clear processes in place, agreed with NHS England which address exceptional circumstances that might mean it is necessary for striking doctors to return to work.

“It is important to recognise that during both sets of action, GPs have continued to see thousands of patients each day and members of the wider healthcare team remained at work throughout the NHS.”