Milton Keynes University Hospital Trust (MKUH) have revealed contingency plans that are in place during a strike by resident doctors.

Strikes are scheduled to take place from 7am on Friday 14 November until 6:59am on Wednesday 19 November.

In a statement, MKUH’s Chief Executive, Joe Harrison, said, “MKUH will do our utmost to minimise disruption for patients during the strike action. We have proven contingency measures in place to ensure continuity of safe and quality care, and a hard-working team of people whose priority is to keep hospital services working well.

“It is really important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, particularly for serious and life-threatening illnesses. For minor illnesses and injuries, pharmacists and GPs are there to help.

“The industrial action is happening in the busy winter period which may mean waiting times in our Emergency Department are longer. I am appealing to local people to use this service wisely and to show some support for our staff who will be doing their very best to treat large numbers of patients in priority order.”

MKUH have said that there may be some impact to planned appointments resulting in postponements, and affected patients will be contacted by the hospital. If patients have not heard anything, they should attend appointments as normal.

Anyone with health concerns during the period of industrial action can contact NHS 111 for assessment and direction to the most appropriate local service. Call 111, go online at https://111.nhs.uk/  or use the NHS App.

Use 999 or go to the Emergency Department at MKUH when someone is experiencing a life-threatening health emergency and needs immediate medical attention.