Hospitals in Southend and Basildon are urging patients to only use A&E if they need life-saving care during junior doctor strikes.

The latest set of junior doctor strikes are set to be a challenging period for staff in hospitals and patients needing emergency care.

A 96-hour strike will be taking place from 7am on Tuesday April 11 until 7am on Saturday April 15.

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Basildon and Southend hospitals, has issued a plea to members of the public to only use their A&E departments on strike days if they need urgent care.

Chief medical officer David Walker said: “The junior doctors’ strike will have a significant impact on the level of care we can safely provide to patients.

“We would urge people to only come to A&E if they know they need life-saving care. Medical staffing will be limited, and we will be focusing on protecting emergency care.

“If people do need emergency treatment, they should absolutely come in as normal. We will be here for you. If you don’t need acute care then you may be putting the safety of those who do at risk.

“We really do appreciate your support in helping us to keep our patients safe during this very challenging time.”

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