The British Medical Association (BMA) has confirmed five-day industrial action by resident doctors (previously known as junior doctors), started from 7am on Friday 14 November.

The strikes, lasting until 7am on Wednesday 19 November, are expected to cause significant service disruption for NHS Trusts in Cheshire and Merseyside. NHS pay is a matter for the Government and trade unions.

The NHS says it has "tried and tested" plans in place to mitigate risks to patient safety and manage any disruption, including industrial action, but inevitably there will be "some service disruption" on strike days, with information about the impact of industrial action published nationally here.

Emergency care and other critical services such as maternity departments will be open as usual and life-threatening calls responded to.

Mid Cheshire Hospitals urges the public to attend any planned appointments, unless contacted directly by the NHS to reschedule (Photo: Ryan Parker).

The NHS will continue to deliver planned care where possible, especially for patients in greatest clinical need.

Mid Cheshire Hospitals urges the public to attend any planned appointments, unless contacted directly by the NHS to reschedule.

Local services will keep their websites and social media accounts up-to-date with the latest information, so check before you travel.

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People are being urged to make NHS 111 Online their first port of call if they need urgent health advice on days of strike action.

NHS 111 Online can tell you:

• Where to get help for your symptoms
• How to find general health information and advice
• Where to get an emergency supply of your prescribed medicine
• How to get a repeat prescription

More information about when to call 999 and when to go to A&E is available via the national NHS website.