THE latest round of strikes by resident doctors, including many working at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, is set to begin at 7am on Tuesday, April 7.

Scheduled to last until 6.59am on Monday, April 13, the industrial action is likely to cause significant disruption to routine services, such as outpatient appointments, pre-planned operations and day surgery cases.

During these strikes, all other NHS staff, including consultants and other specialist doctors, will still be working and the focus of the NHS will be on ensuring as many services as possible continue to operate safely.

To ensure teams can focus on people who are most unwell, the public are being asked to choose wisely and to only visit hospital when there is a genuine need to do so.

Dr Barry Coakley, GP and deputy chief medical officer for Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “We have well-established plans in place to ensure care remains available for those who need it most during industrial action, with patient and staff safety our top priority.

“Some non-urgent appointments and procedures may be postponed and anyone affected will be contacted directly. People with pre-planned appointments should continue to attend unless told otherwise.

“We’re asking local communities to help by choosing the most appropriate care option so hospital services can focus on those most in need. For many minor conditions this will be self-care, NHS 111 online or a community pharmacy.

“Anyone who needs urgent or emergency care should continue to come forward without delay.”

People are encouraged to visit a community pharmacy, which can help with prescriptions and most minor illnesses and injuries, or use NHS 111 online.

Further information about all available local health and care services can be found online at www.bswtogether.org.uk/yourhealth