THE trust that runs Basingstoke, Andover and Winchester hospitals is expecting “a significant challenge ahead” during a four-day strike by junior doctors being held next week.

Junior doctors from the British Medical Association (BMA) will stage their longest walkout between April 11 and 15, sparking concerns from hospital leaders about how they will be able to maintain patient safety.

Dr Lara Alloway, chief medical officer for Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (HHFT), said the strike will impact the trust’s hospitals at Basingstoke, Andover and Winchester, including some planned care being postponed.

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She said: “We are anticipating a significant challenge ahead, with the strikes immediately following a bank holiday weekend which is already a very busy time for the NHS.

“Our priority is providing the best possible care to everyone who needs our help. Extensive planning has been underway locally at HHFT and with our system partners so we can manage our services safely, provide quality care to our patients and keep our hospitals running smoothly.”

Dr Alloway urged people to support trust by “keeping emergency departments free for those who need our care the most”.

She added: “Do not be put off seeking urgent care in an emergency, however, please only attend our emergency departments if it is an urgent and / or life threatening situation.

“GP services and pharmacies are not affected by the industrial action so please continue to use these as normal, and use 111.nhs.uk if you aren’t sure where to go to get the help or advice you need.”

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Patients who have a hospital appointment during the strike should still attend as planned, unless they have been contacted directly.

However, Dr Alloway warned that some planned care will be postponed “so that we can continue to provide emergency and critical services”.

She added: “We are sorry to those who this affects and are aiming to reschedule appointments as quickly as possible.

“Thank you for your support as our teams work around the clock to care for our patients.”

The 96-hour strike is likely to be the most disruptive in the history of the NHS because of its length and because it is being held directly after a long bank holiday weekend, when there is often already additional pressure on the NHS.

Up to a quarter of a million operations and appointments could be postponed nationally because of the strike, the NHS Confederation has warned.

The BMA said it has plans to protect patients, which could involve pulling junior doctors off the picket line if hospitals report lives are in immediate danger.

It is calling for a 35 per cent pay rise to make up for 15 years of below-inflation wage rises.