The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced that industrial action involving Resident Doctors will take place in relation to an ongoing dispute with the UK Government.

The strike is due to take place between 7am on Wednesday 17 December and until 7am on Monday 22 December.

Our primary focus on these strike days is to maintain services for patients who need emergency and urgent care. Hospital Consultants and speciality doctors will not be taking part in industrial action during these dates.

Our emergency services and in-patient areas are already experiencing high demand and we are seeing a rise in winter-associated infections.

We would urge patients to only attend the Emergency Department if they have a life-threatening condition such as breathing difficulties, chest pain, stroke, suspected sepsis or have a serious injury.

If you think you need urgent care, please contact NHS 111 first.

For minor illnesses, please contact your nearest pharmacy for advice and treatment.

We will be contacting patients directly if industrial action means that their appointment will need to be postponed. We know how frustrating it is when appointments are rearranged, but we urge people to be kind and respectful towards our staff making these calls, and please know that we are working hard to reschedule these as quickly as possible.

If you do not hear from us, please attend your hospital appointment as planned.

GP practices, pharmacies, Norwich Walk-In Centre and Cromer Minor Injuries Unit remain open during this strike action.

If you need medical care or advice, please call the NHS 111 helpline, or visit NHS 111 Online.

Contact NHS 111 if:

• You need medical help fast, but it’s not a 999 emergency.
• You don’t know who to call for medical help or you don’t have a GP to call.
• You think you need to go to A&E or another NHS urgent care service; or you require health information or reassurance about what to do next.