Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is warning of disruption due to industrial action.

From 7am, September 19, until 7am, September 21, some consultants will participate in BMA's national strike over NHS pay.

Some postgraduate doctors will also strike from 7am, September 20, until 7am, September 23. This marks the first time that both consultants and junior doctors will strike simultaneously.

A 72-hour strike involving both staff groups is planned for early October.

Dr Jeremy Rushmer, the trust’s executive medical director, said: “Patient safety is always our primary concern. We are working extremely hard to prioritise emergency and urgent treatment.

“I would like to offer my assurances to our communities that we are and will continue to make every effort to maintain the safety and welfare of patients in our care.

“However, anyone attending on the affected days should expect some potential disruption. This includes longer waits to be seen in our emergency department and Urgent Treatment Centres.”

Some operations, tests and outpatient appointments will need to be rescheduled. Those affected will be contacted directly.

Urgent Treatment Centres and the emergency department at the Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital will remain open.

The trust urges people to use medical services wisely and seek advice for non-urgent healthcare needs through a pharmacist, GP, or via 111.nhs.uk.