Stockport NHS Trust has asked patients to access healthcare in 'the most appropriate way' ahead of upcoming strike action.

Resident doctors will be taking industrial action from 7am on Wednesday 17 December until 7am on Monday 22nd, as part of an ongoing dispute over pay rises.

Stockport NHS Trust has reassured the public that 'robust plans' are in place to keep emergency services active and to protect those most in need.

They also advised patients to attend any scheduled appointments as normal during the industrial action, unless otherwise advised.

However, Stockport NHS also said that people should seek healthcare appropriately.

If a condition is not life, limb or sight-threatening, people are asked to use NHS 111 online in the first instance or alternative services such as your GP, pharmacy or local urgent treatment centre.

Stockport NHS will be maintaining key services to protect those in need (Image - Stockport NHSFT)

A Stockport NHS Trust spokesperson said: "As with previous periods of industrial action, we are offering reassurance to the public that robust plans are in place to protect our emergency services and to safely care for patients who are in urgent need.

"We will maintain a focus on protecting essential life, limb and sight-saving services such as Accident and Emergency (A&E) (including Paediatric A&E), maternity, emergency theatres, and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) (including neonatal intensive care and paediatric intensive care), chemotherapy and dialysis.

"However, a number of services will be impacted, including the need to reschedule outpatient and surgical appointments.

"If you have an appointment planned with any of our services during the period of industrial action, unless otherwise advised, all patients are asked to attend as normal.

"You do not need to contact us or your GP, as anyone whose appointments or care may be impacted will be contacted directly by us to reschedule a new date as soon as possible."

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