HOSPITAL chiefs have said they face a "challenging two days" ahead of tomorrow's walk out by junior doctors.

The strike action comes after months of talks between union leaders and the health secretary Jeremy Hunt collapsed once again over controversial changes to their contracts.

Leaders at the Royal Berkshire Hospital also said they have been planning well in advance in order to minimise disruption.

Patients who have not been told otherwise are asked to attend any appointments as usual.

However it is expected that the emergency department will be under extra pressure and residents are asked to think carefully about whether a trip to A&E is necessary.

Mary Sherry, chief operating officer, said: "All our efforts have been directed at providing safe cover and minimising disruption to our patients during the planned industrial action.

"Our planning for Tuesday and Wednesday is in collaboration with our senior doctors and all decisions have been clinically led to ensure the safety of our patients.

"We do anticipate a challenging two days but our staff have demonstrated a very high level of flexibility to ensure we continue to provide the best possible care and we would like to thank them for this."

Between 8am and 5pm on Tuesday and Wednesday there will be a full walk out from participating junior doctors, including in A&E departments, marking the largest scale industrial action since the disagreement began last year.

Patients are being asked to seek advice from a pharmacist or their GP or consider using a minor injury unit if appropriate.

Anyone unsure about where to go is urged to call the NHS 111 helpline for advice or check www.nhs.uk/strike for more general details on the industrial action.

People with genuine medical emergencies should be brought to the Royal Berkshire Hospital as usual.

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