A Suffolk NHS chief has urged people to attend their appointments booked on days which will be affected by strike action.
Next week, strikes will take place from Monday, March 13 to Thursday, March 15 as a result of an ongoing dispute with the government over the pay and conditions of hospital workers.
Dr Andrew Kelso, the medical director at NHS Suffolk and North East Essex, has offered reassurance that health care services will remain open, though delay and disruption are inevitable.
He said: "Unless people are contacted by their health service provider they should carry on as planned and attend their appointment.
"Staff will be doing their very best to honour those appointments.
"We have to be realistic though that this strike action will affect patients and that some appointments will be postponed or re-scheduled.
"During this time, the priority will be on ensuring those most in need of care are able to receive it."
Dr Kelso went on to stress that it is important for those with life-threatening conditions to come forward as usual, but urged others to consider using other services for their needs.
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