THE hospital trust for south Essex has provided an update ahead of junior doctor strikes next week.

Junior Doctor members of the BMA have voted in favour of industrial action, in the form of strike action.

This will take place for 72 hours from 6:59am on Monday, March 13, until 6:59am on Thursday, March 16.

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The Mid and South Essex NHS Trust has said this industrial action “will reduce our ability to deliver normal levels of services including both routine and emergency care”.

They add: “To help us keep our patients safe we have had to cancel appointments and planned operations.

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“We know this may be disappointment and concerning for people waiting for treatment and we are sorry this is the case.

“We will re-arrange appointments as quickly as we can.

“We have contacted affect patients to let them know that their operation or appointment has been cancelled.

“If you don’t hear from us, please attend your hospital appointments as planned.”