What does the junior doctor strike mean for patients?

Junior doctors protest Credit: PA

Junior doctors in England have voted to strike for 24 hours after a row with the government over changes to contracts.

When are the strikes?

The strike is planned for the 1 December where junior doctors will only provide emergency care.

This will then be followed by an all-out walkout from 8am to 5pm on 8 December and then 16 December.

How will the strike affect patients?

Hospitals in England will only be able to provide emergency care at what is usually the busiest time of the year for the NHS.

Strike action will only affect patients in England - it will not affect patients in Scotland or Wales.

Each NHS Trust will determine individually how and when they contact patients in response to the strike action, NHS England said.

In 2012, when more limited action was taken over pensions, the Department of Health estimated one in ten patients had an operation, outpatients appointment or treatment rescheduled - around 2,700 in total. The BMA reckoned a quarter of non urgent care had to be postponed.

What if you need emergency care?

Consultants, nurses and the other healthcare professionals have said they will step in during the strike to provide emergency care.

Dr Abosede Ajayi, consultant in emergency medicine, told ITV News that consultants will "man the shop floor" to look after patients and that all non-essential procedures will be cancelled during the strike.

What if you have an operation scheduled?

Thousands of planned operations in England will be rearranged.

Urgent, life-saving, and emergency treatment will go ahead.

Non-urgent operations and outpatient appointments will be rescheduled.

Trusts are currently reviewing the range of services they believe will be affected by the action, NHS England said.

Rearranging of operations will be dictated by each individual trust - if you haven't received notice of a rescheduling but want to check your appointment is going ahead, patients are recommended to contact the Trust by phone.

What if you have an outpatient appointment?

Most outpatient clinics in England are expected to be closed during the strike and appointments will be rearranged.

Who are junior doctors?

The strike is planned for the 1 December Credit: PA

They qualified medical practitioners working up to consultant or GP level. Many have years of experience working in the NHS.

Why do junior doctors want to strike?

Junior doctors protesting on Downing Street Credit: PA

A junior doctor has told ITV News he doesn't want to strike, but feels the "future of the NHS depends on it".

Nearly all junior doctors voted in favour of the strike - with 99% voting for industrial action and 98% voting in favour of full strike.

If you are a patient with concerns about the strike action you can call your NHS health trust for more information.

You can also call the BMA Helpline on: 0845 609 2008