Residents are being warned to stay away from emergency departments unless it is a genuine emergency ahead of this week's strikes. 

Junior doctors across Buckinghamshire are set to walk out this week over a dispute about pay.

Widespread disruption is expected as appointments and operations have been halted by Buckinghamshire Healthcare Trust in anticipation for the five-day strike. 

The British Medical Association (BMA) and Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association (HCSA) announced the industrial action at NHS trusts across England, including at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, from 7am on Tuesday, April 11, to 7am on Saturday, April 15.

In a message of reassurance, a spokesman for Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust said: "All emergency and essential services in our hospitals, community sites and in people’s homes will continue to operate.

"However, to help us safely manage the impact of industrial action, some routine and non-urgent appointments and procedures before, during and after the days of industrial action are being rescheduled. Anyone with a rescheduled appointment will be rebooked as soon as we can.

"We are doing everything possible to prioritise patients with the highest clinical needs, including patients who have already waited a long time for their treatment and cancer and dialysis patients.

"If you have not heard from us by the day of your appointment, please come to your procedure or appointment as planned."

Andrew McLaren, Chief Medical Officer for the Trust, said, “We do not underestimate the impact this industrial action will have on our patients. It starts following a long bank holiday weekend when some services are limited, and many staff are on planned leave.

"Please help us to help you by ordering repeat prescriptions and stocking up on essential medicines in advance and looking out for vulnerable friends and family.

"We would like to ask for the public’s support during this period of additional pressure by only coming to our Emergency Department in a genuine emergency as we expect it to be incredibly busy in the days ahead.

"If you need medical help, but are not sure where to go, then contact NHS 111 either online or by phone who can provide advice and direct you to the best place for the care you need.”