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Industrial action by resident doctors next week is likely to have an impact on all NHS services.

NHS Kent and Medway is asking patients to think carefully about which services they use, to make sure those most in need can access the right care.

Resident doctors, previously known as junior doctors, will be striking from 7am on Friday, 14 November to 7am on Wednesday, 19 November.

The NHS is open for business and people should still come forward for help and attend any pre-arranged appointment unless they are contacted.

Please use 111.nhs.uk as the first port of call for any urgent health need and only use 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency. Mental health crisis services can be accessed through normal routes. 

Care is available through other NHS services, including urgent treatment centres and pharmacies. It is vital people are aware of the pressure on health services during the industrial action and make sure they choose the correct service.   

The NHS will only reschedule appointments and procedures where necessary, and will immediately re-book, where possible. Patients impacted by the strike action will be directly contacted. If you are not contacted, your appointment will take place as planned.

Dr Kate Langford, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “We anticipate that the action will have significant impact on services provided across all areas of the NHS, including our hospitals, GP practices and mental health services. We are planning to keep services running as much as possible despite the impact of the action.

“We are working hard to prioritise resources to protect emergency treatment, critical care, neonatal care, maternity, and trauma, and to make sure we prioritise patients who have waited the longest for elective care and cancer surgery.  

“Patients who need urgent medical care should continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases - when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.

“Throughout the strikes, the 111 and 999 phone lines are likely to be very busy. We are urging everyone to make sure they use the appropriate services and keep emergency care for those that really need it.

“Please use 111.nhs.uk as the first port of call for any urgent health need and only use 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency.”

Find information on local services at www.StopThinkChoose.co.uk