PLANS have been put in place by the NHS in Devon as resident doctors begin another round of industrial action tomorrow.

The latest strike begins at 7am tomorrow and runs until 7am on Monday December 22.

NHS bosses say plans are in place to maintain services as far as possible at near-normal levels to minimise disruption to patients.

The key advice to the people across the region is to use emergency services as usual, if needed, and to attend any planned appointments unless they have been contacted to reschedule.

A spokesman for Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust said: ‘This is a dispute between the trade union and the government and not with our organisation.

‘Please keep your planned appointments unless we have contacted you to cancel or re-arrange.

‘We’re working hard to keep disruption to a minimum and are asking for you to help us by using the right service for your condition.

‘Please use our emergency department if you need life-saving and critical care.

‘Urgent treatment centre and minor injuries units if you need treatment for cuts, animal bites, rashes, lacerations and anything which needs an x-ray or stitching.’

Patients are also advised to call their GP or NHS 111 for routine health advice.

While flu is also causing extra admissions to hospital, this should not deter anyone from attending.

Dr Emma Redfern, NHS England’s Deputy Regional Medical Director for the South West, said: ‘We all know that industrial action comes at a very real cost to patients and to the rest of the workforce who provide cover.

'It will be particularly difficult this time, when we have seen a sharp rise in flu admissions and as we head into winter.

'But none of that should put anybody off seeking the care they need.’

And they advise stocking up with enough prescription medicine, and ordering now if needed, to avoid running out over bank holidays.

This can be done easily through the NHS App or by contacting GP practice.