NHS bosses at The Leeds Teaching Hospitals have warned patients there will be major disruption to its services as junior doctors get ready to strike again in a dispute over pay.
They will be taking part in strike action from Tuesday morning, April 11, until 7am Saturday, April 15 as they seek to increase their wages by more than 30% with union leaders saying the group has seen their pay significantly eroded over recent years.
In a statement, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We know that this will have a significant impact on our hospitals, as our junior doctors are incredibly important to the running of our services and we really value their hard work and expertise. We recognise how challenging this period can be for colleagues and how difficult the decisions are that colleagues are having to make.
Read more: Man seriously hurt in hospital after motorbike smash in Leeds
"The strike is likely to cause major disruption to hospital services particularly as it immediately follows the Easter bank holiday period, when health services will already be under significant pressure. In addition, the strikes also come at a time when high levels of staff are on annual leave due to school Easter holidays.
"During strike action, urgent and emergency treatment will be our priority. We are working closely with union representatives to ensure plans are in place to maintain safe care for patients while facilitating and respecting the right of those staff who wish to take legal industrial action.
"If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned. We will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action. We will be rearranging any postponed appointments as a priority. We appreciate this situation is frustrating for patients affected and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
"Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is really important that patients who need urgent medical care 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. On days where there is strike action, patients should only call 999 if it is a medical or mental health emergency (when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk)."
The NHS says that where the situation is not life-threatening, alternative support will be available through NHS111 online or by calling NHS 111. For more information on when to call 999 and when to go to A&E, visit the NHS UK website.
Read next:
- Team behind Leeds restaurant loved by Lewis Capaldi open new venue in the city
Emmerdale star Natalie Anderson to host special Leeds event after life-changing diagnosis admission
Emmerdale's Isobel Steele's exciting new career move following soap exit
11 of the best beer gardens in Leeds city centre for the perfect al fresco pint
Portside Fish & Chips review: We tried the Leeds fish and chip shop named one of the best in the UK
