Medical services shut during junior doctor strikes

Cheltenham's A&E unit will close at 20:00 on 22 February

The emergency department in Cheltenham will close next week due to planned industrial action by junior doctors.

Cheltenham General Hospital's A&E will close from 20:00 GMT on 22 February until 08:00 on 29 February.

For the duration of the strikes, emergency care services will be centralised at the main Gloucestershire Royal Hospital.

Other GP Practices and Minor Injury and Illness Units across the county will remain open.

Junior doctors in England are striking as part of an ongoing dispute with the government over pay.

The British Medical Association (BMA), which represents junior doctors, wants a 35% pay increase - a proposal previously rejected by ministers.

'Substantial challenges'

Although NHS Gloucestershire is making plans to keep essential services available, leaders have warned that the strike will cause unavoidable disruption.

Chief Medical Officer at NHS Gloucestershire, Dr Ananthakrishnan Raghuram, said: "The latest round of strikes will bring substantial challenges to the local NHS, particularly hospital services, and we are sorry that many patients will experience disruption to services.

"Gloucestershire health and care partners are working closely together to ensure those in greatest need continue to have access to high quality care and support.

"We cannot emphasise enough how important it will be to keep A&E at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital clear for life threatening conditions and serious injuries.

"The public can help by thinking carefully about their healthcare options and getting advice when needed from NHS 111," he said.

"Advice will also be available through local NHS social media channels."

Patients who have a planned operation, outpatient clinic or procedure during the strike period should attend as usual unless they are contacted by their NHS Trust to advise otherwise.