Junior doctors and consultants from Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust are planning significant strikes this month.

This industrial action is due to take place over two separate periods; BMA consultants announce walkouts from 7am on Tuesday, September 19 through to 7am Thursday, September 21, whilst junior doctors will strike from 7am on Wednesday, September 20 till 7am, Saturday, September 23.

This scheduling means for some of these days, junior doctors and consultants will be on strike simultaneously, marking an unprecedented move in the NHS.

The concern lies in the anticipated significant impact this could have on hospital services.

The Trust's utmost focus during this time is to maintain patient safety and the well-being of colleagues.

Although every endeavour is being made to keep as many services functioning as possible, including all emergency and crucial services, the situation has compelled the Trust to defer many outpatient appointments and elective procedures.

Potential disruptions could also occur to the appointments set for days before and after the strike.

The Trust assures that patients affected by this rearrangement will be contacted directly and rescheduled at the earliest opportunity.

Raghuv Bhasin, Chief Operating Officer at the Trust, said: "The strike will have a significant impact on our services. We have had to cancel large volumes of planned care and our urgent and emergency care services will be under pressure, in particular our Emergency Department at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. Our colleagues there are working exceptionally hard and have to prioritise the most urgent patients.

"If you attend the ED and your condition is less serious, you will likely face long waits, or be asked to find help elsewhere such as at a local pharmacy, the Urgent Care Centre at Wycombe Hospital or your GP where additional cover is being provided. If you need medical help, but are not sure where to go, please visit NHS 111 either online or by phone. They can provide advice and direct you to the best place for the care you need.

"Our staff are working extremely hard during a very challenging time, so my final plea to the public is please do treat them with respect. Thank you for your understanding."