THE NHS is urging patients in the South West to keep coming forward for care during the latest resident doctors’ strike.

The industrial action is expected to begin from 7am on Friday, July 25 and end at 7am on Wednesday, July 30.

Resident doctors were formerly known as junior doctors.

“Hospitals and local teams have been preparing as usual ahead of this latest round of strikes, with plans in place to minimise disruption to patient care and to ensure life-saving treatment continues,” said a spokesperson for NHS England South West.

“This will be the twelfth strike from resident doctors since March 2023, resulting in 49 days of disruption to NHS services.

“NHS England has asked hospital chief executives to keep routine operations going to the fullest extent possible during this round of strikes and only to reschedule appointments and other activity in exceptional circumstances to ensure patient safety.

“The NHS is therefore advising the public to continue to attend any planned appointments they have scheduled over the strike period unless they have been contacted to reschedule.”

People are advised to use 111 online first for urgent but not life-threatening issues during the industrial action.

Patients who need emergency medical care should continue to use 999 or go to A&E as normal.