The region's NHS is urging people to use health services wisely ahead of six days of planned industrial action by junior doctors starting at 7am on Wednesday 3 January until 7am Tuesday 9 January 2024.

While the NHS has plans in place to provide safe levels of care to patients during this time – this will be the longest period of strike action the NHS has experienced so far, and closely follows the Christmas and New Year bank holidays.

Dr Louise Buchanan, medical director said: “Services will be disrupted over the coming days but our local communities can help us by making sure 999 and A&E are only used for urgent and life-threatening situations.

“Some appointments and treatment have had to be rescheduled to allow us to prioritise those who need us the most. If you have an appointment with us please attend unless we contact you to rearrange - there is no need to contact us.

“We have plans in place to keep emergency and urgent care services running throughout the strikes, but patients should expect disruption and potentially long waits during and immediately after the strike period.

“If you have urgent health needs, that are not life threatening, it’s important to use 111 online or by phone which is available 24/7."

Dr Neil O’Brien, executive medical director for the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Our focus is very much on the safe delivery of urgent and emergency care services and teams are working hard to reduce delays and minimise disruption for patients needing care in other areas as well.

"But there will inevitably be some disruption and longer waiting times. This is the longest period of industrial action we have experienced so far and it comes straight after the Christmas and New year bank holidays which is often a really busy time for NHS services as people start to go back to their normal routines after the festive break. We also see more winter illnesses such as flu, COVID-19, and norovirus at this time of year which can add additional pressures.

 "We would like to reassure people that if they do require urgent care, the NHS is here to help, and we urge you to come forward.

"Urgent and emergency services will be open across the region, but it is vital that people must use these services appropriately so that our emergency teams can focus on treating those who are seriously unwell.

"If you do need medical care and it's not life-threatening, visit NHS 111 online or visit your nearest pharmacy or your GP. All these services can refer you for further treatment should you need it.

Public are reminded for urgent health needs, which are not life-threatening, www.111.nhs.uk and NHS 111 are available 24 hours a day. A symptom checker can be used to assess symptoms and it will re-direct to a health professional if people need to be seen by someone. Also, self-care advice is available on-line from the NHS at www.nhs.uk.