Hospitals in North Lancashire and South Cumbria are preparing for more industrial action with junior doctors set to strike this week for the first time since February.
The five-day national walk-out will start at 7am on Thursday June 27 and end at 7am on Tuesday July 2.
Emergency cover will still be provided across all the region’s hospitals, including the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, Westmorland General and Furness General, however increased waiting times are expected and many routine operations and appointments are likely to be rescheduled.
The NHS will contact patients directly if their operations or appointments need to be rescheduled. If you have a hospital appointment on the strike days, please assume this is going ahead unless you have been told otherwise.
Craig Harris, chief operating officer at NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, which organises health services for the region, said: “Plans are in place to be able to be able to provide emergency cover and protect patient safety. There will, however, be fewer doctors available, which means that routine care for many patients will be delayed and some non-urgent procedures will be have to be postponed.
“We are asking people to use services wisely and take simple steps to help ensure care is available to those who need it most. This includes using NHS 111 online as the first port of call for health needs and continuing to only use 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency.”
Contacting NHS 111 Online will direct you to the most appropriate health professional to help with all non-emergency urgent care needs.
Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is important that patients still call 999 or attend A&E in emergency and life-threatening cases. More information about when to call 999 and when to go to A&E is available via the national NHS website.
GP practices will continue to be open as normal during the strikes.
E-bike shop moves from Lancaster to new Carnforth showroom
Lancaster workshop to tackle the issue of drink and needle spiking
Morecambe raw feeds shop up for three 'Animal Star' awards
Two new festivals proposed for Morecambe entertainment venue the Platform
Second day of disruption as work continues after train derails in Cumbria
Morecambe lifeboat crew’s swift response rescues swimmer ‘being swept dangerously out to sea’
'Street Meets' announced to answer your questions amid new wheelie bin roll-out
Campaign group welcomes new "life changing" bus service to Morecambe
Lancaster prison worker jailed for drug offences
Major disruption as train derails on West Coast Main Line
Talks begin for events to mark Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Lancaster music venue due to shut will now stay open "well into 2026"
Halloween What's On Guide
LISTEN: Launch of new group in Morecambe to help with gambling addiction
LISTEN: New centre for people with disabilities to open in historic Lancaster location
Mayor of Lancaster launches children's Christmas card competition
Councillor loses her seat for not attending meetings for six months
Firefighters attend two call-outs for vehicle fires in Lancaster area
Lancaster youth charity announces new CEO
LISTEN: Lancaster singer-songwriter tells how music saved her life
