Health leaders are urging people to only use 999 and emergency care services for life-threatening conditions as the NHS gears up for another strike.

Junior doctor members of the British Medical Association have announced they will take part in industrial action from 7am on February 24 till midnight on February 28.

NHS teams have been working to understand the potential impact of the strike, putting plans in place to reschedule appointments and prioritise urgent and emergency care services.

Dr Neil O'Brien, executive medical director for the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said: "Urgent and emergency services will be open across the region, but it is vital that people must use these services appropriately so that our emergency teams can focus on treating those who are seriously unwell."

Bremner MBE, chair of the region’s Provider Collaborative and chief executive of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, spoke on behalf of NHS Foundation Trusts within the region.

He said:  “We are working hard to ensure we have appropriate staffing in place across all of our organisations to make sure we are fully prepared for this further challenging period of industrial action."

The public are reminded to use NHS 111 online for non-threatening health concerns, with pharmacies offering further support.