Broomfield Hospital has urged the public to use alternative services such as NHS 111, their GP surgeries and pharmacies as the fifth junior doctors strike takes place.
The junior doctors are back on the picket line outside Broomfield Hospital for the fifth time as a dispute over pay and working hours continues. The strike is set to last for 48 hours from 8am this morning and will see a full withdrawal of labour.
The strike is supported by The British Medical Association (BMA) the trade union for doctors in the UK.
They tweeted:
‘We continue to urge the Secretary of State to put patient care before political dogma’ #juniorcontract pic.twitter.com/zTTlVRhgtG
— The BMA (@TheBMA) April 26, 2016
During strikes in February and April more than 50 junior doctors, supporters and even passers by waved placards and chanted "Save our NHS" outside the hospital.
About 40 doctors and some members of the public are now on the picket line, with more expected to join in later.
The hospital has encouraged the public to consider using other medical services where possible and some outpatient appointments and operations have been cancelled.
A notice on the hospital's website said: "We have detailed plans in place to provide safe emergency and urgent care for all our patients during the Junior Doctors Industrial Action on 26th and 27th April.
"Please consider using alternative services such as GPs, NHS 111 and pharmacies where possible.
"We have worked with our community partners to increase the availability of services during the industrial action.
"For those with planned outpatient appointments or operations, unless we have directly contacted you to confirm your appointment is still happening, please do not attend hospital if the strike goes ahead.
"We apologise for the unavoidable inconvenience and will aim to provide you with an alternative appointment as soon as possible.
"However, if you are unsure and need further help or advice, please call the appropriate number below for information about appointments at Broomfield Hospital or Braintree Community Hospital."
If you are unsure whether or not to attend your appointment at Broomfield Hospital call 01245 513900 and if your appointment is meant to be at Braintree Community Hospital call 01376 555902.
To contact the main Broomfield Hospital switchboard call 01245 362000.
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