A 48-HOUR strike by senior hospital doctors in England has got under way, with NHS bosses in Worcestershire warning some services may be affected.
Thousands of consultants walked out from 7am on Thursday (July 20) in their dispute over pay.
It is the first time the consultants have taken part in strike action since 2012.
Only emergency care and a small amount of routine work- so-called Christmas Day cover – will be provided until 7am on Saturday (July 22)
It comes just two days after a five-day walkout by junior doctors came to an end, on Tuesday.
NHS England said the timing of the industrial action had left hospitals with little time to recover, claiming the senior-doctor walkout would have the most severe impact of any strike action so far this year.
Consultants will stop seeing many patients and will not be around to supervise the work of junior doctors.
In a post on social media, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: “On Thursday and Friday this week, some of our services may be affected by strike action.
“You will be contacted if your planned appointment needs to be changed, otherwise, please come forward for the care you need.
“You can help us by using the right health service for your needs.
If in doubt, use NHS 111 online: http://111.nhs.uk.
