Doctor strikes starting this week are expected to cause havoc during the busy festive period at Lynn’s hospital.

Emergency and life-preserving care will continue at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital during industrial action by resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors. The strike will take place from 7am on Wednesday until 7am on Monday, December 22.

This walkout comes during one of the busiest weeks of the year for hospitals as services see increased winter pressures in the run-up to Christmas.

The QEH trust is working closely with its senior medical workforce, including consultants and specialty doctors, to ensure safe staffing is maintained throughout the period of industrial action.

The focus remains on keeping patients and staff safe. Emergency and life-preserving services will continue as usual, and teams are working hard to minimise the postponement of planned care.

Dr Rebecca Martin, medical director at the QEH, said: “Our teams are working incredibly hard to maintain safe and effective services during this challenging week. We thank our patients for their patience and understanding.

“We also ask the public to continue showing kindness and respect to our staff, including those making rescheduling calls. They are doing everything they can to minimise disruption.”

An email from interim executive managing director Chris Bown sent to staff said: “While we aim to continue as much planned care as possible, some elective and outpatient activity may need to be rescheduled to ensure safety.

“We are communicating with our local community to encourage the public to use NHS services wisely and to continue to attend appointments unless contacted by the hospital.”

The British Medical Association confirmed that the five-day walkout will take place.

During this period, the QEH has released the following guidance to people:

• Only use 999 or the emergency department for life-threatening conditions such as chest pain, breathing difficulties, symptoms of stroke, or severe bleeding

• Use NHS 111 online (111.nhs.uk) or call 111 for urgent medical concerns that are not emergencies

• Continue to attend medical appointments unless you are contacted directly by the hospital to reschedule

• Cancel any NHS appointments you cannot attend using the contact number on your appointment letter

• For urgent mental health concerns, call NHS 111 and select the mental health option

• Speak to your GP or local pharmacist for non-urgent health issues