The East Lancashire Hospitals Trust has issued a warning to patients ahead of 48 hours of strike action, which starts today (August 24).

The British Medical Association (BMA) has announced that consultants will be taking strike action from 7am today until 7am on Saturday, August 26.

The trust, which operates the Royal Blackburn Hospital, Burnley General Hospital and Accrington Victoria Hospital, says the industrial action will cause significant disruption, at a time when increased demand on health services is usually anticipated during the summer bank holiday weekend.

Hundreds of thousands of extra visitors are expected in the region during one of the busiest weekends of the year for tourism.

The NHS and the BMA are working closely together to ensure patient safety is prioritised during this action.

The strike will once again be based on Christmas Day levels of cover, meaning emergency care will still be provided.

Tony McDonald, executive director of integrated care, partnerships and resilience at East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, said: “There is likely to be significant impact and services will feel different for patients.

"This could include longer waits, or treatment and appointments being rescheduled or cancelled, which may be at short notice as the trust explores every possible avenue for activity to go ahead.

"Whilst the trust absolutely respects the right of all colleagues to strike, the consultants’ industrial action will create significant challenges and it is vital people are aware of the pressure the health service will be under and know the best way to access care during that time.”

Urgent and emergency care services will be open during the industrial action period and in the event of a life or limb threatening emergency people should call 999 or attend accident and emergency services.

For all other health needs, please contact NHS 111 online or call 111 if you don't have internet access.

There are many other places that can offer support, including GP surgeries and pharmacies and NHS111 will be able to guide you to the right place.

Tony said: "We will only cancel appointments and procedures where it is absolutely necessary and will reschedule immediately, where possible.

"So if you have an appointment with us, please attend as expected unless we contact you directly.  

"The community’s support during previous periods of industrial action has been invaluable and we are immensely grateful to everyone for continuing to use NHS services appropriately during these times of pressure.

"Please take simple steps during industrial action to look after yourself, loved ones and check in on vulnerable family members and neighbours."

Many consultants took part in industrial action across England in July over pay disuputes. 

More than 24,000 consultants voted in the BMA ballot for the industrial action, with the vast majority (20,741 or 86 per cent) voting in favour.