Patients at Royal Bolton should anticipate disruption due to three days of industrial action, the trust warned.

The strike action, organised by the British Medical Association (BMA), involves junior doctors all over the country on the first three days of next week. 

Bolton NHS Foundation Trust is warning of the impact of the industrial action, which is over what the BMA describes as a pay cut in real terms of 26 per cent since 2008.

A spokesperson said some routine appointments and routine procedures will be cancelled and those affected will be contacted by the trust ahead of time. However, all emergency services are still available.

READ MORE: Royal Bolton maternity service 'requires improvement' says CQC.

A spokesman said: "Junior doctors have voted to take strike action on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

"Many routine appointments and procedures will be postponed as a result, to help us focus on keeping our sickest patients safe.

"We will be contacting patients directly to let you know if your appointment has been postponed.

"If you have not heard from us, please attend your appointment as normal. There is no need to call to check if your appointment is going ahead."

READ MORE: Bolton NHS trust spends hundreds of thousands on translation.

After the announcement of the strike action at the end of last month, Health Secretary Steve Barclay said: "We hugely value the work of junior doctors and it is deeply disappointing union members have voted to take strike action.

"As part of a multi-year deal we agreed with the BMA, junior doctors’ pay has increased by a cumulative 8.2 per cent since 2019/20. We have introduced a higher pay band for the most experienced and increased rates for night shifts.

"I've met with the BMA and other medical unions to discuss what is fair and affordable, as well as wider concerns around conditions and workload.

"I've written to the BMA to arrange a meeting and want to continue discussing how we can make the NHS a better place to work for all," he added.

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This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.