DUDLEY hospital chiefs are bracing themselves for junior doctors to take to the picket lines for another strike starting on Wednesday February 10.

The British Medical Association has notified the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust that it intends to call junior medics out on industrial action starting from 8am tomorrow until 8am on Thursday February 11.

Paula Clark, chief executive of the Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We anticipate most junior doctors will be taking industrial action on those dates and are working to minimise the impact on patients where possible.

“Our priority will be to ensure that safe emergency, urgent and inpatient services are maintained.”

She said women going into labour during the strike period will see no change to their care and will give birth as usual, whether in hospital on the trust’s delivery suite or Midwifery-led Unit or at home if they have chosen a home birth.

Ms Clark added: “It is very likely that some outpatient and other appointments and procedures will need to be rescheduled.

“All patients affected will be contacted directly and offered an alternative appointment in the future. It is very important for patients who have not been contacted by hospital staff to attend their appointments as normal.”

She has also asked patients to consider other options and only visit Accident and Emergency if absolutely necessary.

Anyone unsure about where best to go for their health needs is advised to call NHS 111 night or day.

Ms Clark added: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused to patients whose procedures have been rescheduled.

“We will continue to review the situation and make further arrangements as necessary.”