Bosses at hospitals in south Essex insist they have “careful plans in place to protect patients” amid a “disruptive period of industrial action”.
The industrial action, involving resident doctors, began yesterday and will continue until 7am on Monday.
However, NHS Mid and South Essex has urged people to continue to seek medical care during the latest round of strike action, despite an impact on services.
Christine Blanshard, chief medical officer at Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, said: “We face another disruptive period of industrial action, but we have put careful plans in place to protect our patients and provide safe care.
“People should still attend their appointments unless they have been contacted by us.
“We’re grateful to consultants, other doctors and clinical staff who have stepped forward to cover at this busy time of year.
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“Flu season is hitting harder and sooner than normal, so we’d ask members of the public to help.
“Having the flu vaccine, washing your hands properly and covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing are all simple ways of helping limit the spread and its impact.”
The strike comes as hospitals across mid and south Essex face additional pressure from increased demand due to the flu season arriving early this year.
The NHS has increased efforts to promote flu vaccinations, delivering 451,275 vaccines in the first week of December - 28,000 more than the same week last year.
More than 17.4 million flu vaccines have been delivered so far this year.
GP practices remain open, and urgent and emergency care will still be available to those who need it.
Dr Matthew Sweeting, executive medical director at NHS Mid and South Essex, added: “It is vital that people continue to come forward for care as normal, including attending appointments unless they are contacted directly by the NHS to rearrange them.
“Inevitably, some non-urgent appointments may need to be postponed, and we apologise for any inconvenience or worry this may cause.
“While staff will go above and beyond to maintain safe care, more people may feel the impact of this round of industrial action.
“We would also ask the public to help us by using NHS services appropriately so that urgent care is available for those who need it most.”
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