East Lancashire Hospital Trust, which runs the Royal Blackburn Hospital, Burnley General Hospital and Accrington Victoria Hospital, has warned patients that they may experience disruption to services during planned industrial action by the British Medical Association and Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association.

A spokesperson for the trust said: “Junior doctors have begun industrial action which will last until 7am on Saturday 15 April.

“We are still here for you during this time should you need support but there will be some disruption to our services.

“If you have not been contacted, please attend any appointments as planned.

“For less urgent health advice or care, please try NHS 111 online or your local pharmacy.

“Emergency care and other critical services such as maternity departments will be open.

“Patients with greatest clinical need will be prioritised.”

Junior doctors across England have launched a four-day strike in a worsening dispute over pay which threatens huge disruption to the NHS.

An estimated 350,000 appointments, including operations, will be cancelled as a result of the walkout by members of the British Medical Association (BMA).

Last week, the trust encouraged people to think ahead to ensure that should they order repeat prescriptions, that they do this in plenty of time and that should a friend or relative need picking up after a hospital discharge, that this is done as early as possible to free up beds.