THE region’s NHS boss has stressed emergency care will be placed under great pressure during next week’s industrial action.

Junior doctors across the east of England are preparing to strike for an extended period from Tuesday until Saturday morning.

About 61,000 junior doctors are expected to strike during the action.

Dr Edward Morris, regional medical director for the NHS in the east of England, has urged people to “carefully consider” their need before using NHS services.

Read more >> Operations and appointments to be cancelled at Colchester Hospital next week

“There has been a consistent level of intense pressure on hospitals and the wider health systems in recent months, and we begin to leave the busiest winter period in the history of the NHS.

“Due to the timing of this forthcoming action coming out of a long bank holiday weekend, we believe the impact on services and care provision has the potential to be much more significant than previous industrial action.

“We are urging members of the public to consider how they can stay safe during this time.

“Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is really important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening situations as the NHS is here to help those who need such care.”