Hinchingbrooke Hospital says patients may experience delays during junior doctors’ strike today

Hinchingbrooke Hospital says patients could experience delays in treatment during the junior doctors’ industrial action today.

But in a statement, the hospital made clear that services for those who require urgent and emergency services will continue as usual.

“Due to increased pressures over this period, other patients may wait longer than normal. In all cases priority will be given to people with the most urgent health needs.

Therefore, we would encourage people with less urgent conditions to consider other options – such as visiting a pharmacist or GP, calling NHS 111, or using NHS Choices to find advice about treating yourself,” the statement read.

Dr Kitty Mohan, from the BMA’s junior doctors committee, told the BBC’s Radio 4 Today programme that government assurances “simply aren’t good enough here”.

“We really need proper contractual safeguards in order to keep junior doctors - and their patients - safe.”

When asked if doctors are prepared to go through with all three planned strikes, she said: “It is exceedingly difficult for junior doctors. This isn’t the reason why we go into medicine and have a medical career.

“Even today is breaking the heart of many junior doctors and therefore we really urge the government to negotiate with the BMA.”

Further strike action is planned for January 26 and February 10.

INFO: More advice about choosing the right service is available at: www.cambsandpeterboroughchoosewell.co.uk or www.nhs.uk.