FROM 7am next Tuesday (11) to 7am the following Saturday, doctors at many NHS Trusts will be on strike, including at Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Planned tests and hospital appointments may be changed or rearranged and the trust has sent the following message to Hillingdon people:

“If you have not been contacted, please attend your appointment as planned. The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action. Your care will not be stopped, but it may be delayed.  

“For non-emergency health needs, there are alternative NHS services available that can help get you the care you need.  

“NHS 111: fully-trained health professionals are available, 24/7, to help if you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital. You can contact NHS 111 online or by calling 111.  

“Your GP: The majority of practices in north west London will remain open during the strike, though many will be under increased pressure. Continue to attend your GP and dental appointments unless you have been contacted and told otherwise.  

“It is important that patients who need urgent medical care still continue to come forward, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases.   

“By doing what you can to look after yourselves and others, and checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours, you can help us make sure the doctors who are on duty can provide care to patients who need it most.”