PATIENTS who fall ill or suffer a minor injury tomorrow (Thursday) are being advised to treat themselves.

Health bosses are concerned that the level of health cover across Huntingdonshire could be affected by the national doctors’ strike.

NHS Cambridgeshire, the leader of the local NHS, said it did not know how many doctors in the area would be taking strike action but was working with providers to ensure that the impact on services was “minimal”.

The British Medical Association is calling on its members to only provide emergency or urgent care on Thursday, June 21, in response to changes to the NHS pension scheme.

Peter Wightman, interim director of primary care for NHS Cambridgeshire and NHS Peterborough, said: “We have tried and tested plans in place in the event of industrial action and have been planning for this event to ensure that all urgent and emergency care will be provided and only non-urgent services will be affected.

“We have been assured that all GP practices throughout Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will be open on the day, urgent patients will be seen and cover will be provided. Patients who have appointments already booked for Thursday should assume that these are proceeding unless they are contacted by their GP or hospital and told otherwise.”

NHS Cambridgeshire said anyone suffering from minor illnesses or injuries on Thursday should try to treat themselves, or seek advice from their local pharmacist.

However, a spokesman added that if you feel you need to see a doctor urgently, contact your GP surgery as normal.

CONTACT: What do you think to the BMA’s industrial action? Have you had an operation or appointment cancelled? Email news@huntspost.co.uk.