UPDATED: Healthwatch chairman says he has been assured emergency cover is in place to deal with all-out junior doctors strike

Peter Pinfield, chairman of Healthwatch Worcestershire - the body that represents patients in Worcestershire - told the Worcester News that he feared the breakdown of talks between the Government and the British Medical Association (BMA) has now led to "dangerous times".

The BMA has been defending the two-day walkout, which begins tomorrow at 8am, repeating its stance it would call off the strike if Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt agreed to lift his threat to impose a new controversial contract for a seven day NHS.

During previous industrial action, striking doctors have always provided emergency care but this week they will provide no cover - the first time in the history of the NHS.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust, which runs Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Kidderminster Hospital and Redditch's Alexandra Hospital, have put plans in place to mitigate the impact.

Mr Pinfield said: "I really hope that the emergency cover is in place - I have been assured it is.

"We have pressed to make sure we have as much cover as we can.

"Nobody wants to see anyone die this week, that would be a tragedy.

"Rotas have been changed, and the message to Worcestershire people is to only go to A&E in an emergency - life and death situations.

"If there was an emergency, it would be a personal decision of the doctors whether they would leave a picket line."

One of the key issues in the dispute is around weekend pay, as the contract cuts the pay offered to doctors at weekends but increases basic pay.

This contributed to a stalemate between the sides, and led to BMA's four previous strikes as well as the latest walk out.

Earlier today, Mr Hunt said all-out strikes could threaten the safety of patients but BMA's head, Dr Mark Porter, responded by telling the BBC the health secretary was attempting to find a way to 'throw mud' at junior doctors, who had provided weekend and night emergency cover since the NHS started.

Mr Pinfield said part of his job was to push both sides to resume negotiations.

"We have reached dangerous times, we have entered a very different phase," Mr Pinfield said.

"The real answer is to get the Government and NHS staff back round the table - to really make that extra effort to come to some sort of compromise.

"That is what the public want to see."

Local NHS organisations confirmed today they are working together to minimise disruption to services during the planned industrial action by junior doctors.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has plans in place to mitigate any industrial action that takes place across the above date.

This includes providing cover for key services and making sure that patients in need of emergency care continue to receive the treatment they need.

Patients are being advised that they can do a number of things to prepare for any disruption during the strike, but also in advance of the bank holiday weekend.

People are advised to make sure that any prescriptions are ordered and collected in plenty of time, their medicine cabinet is fully stocked with essentials such as plasters and pain killers and be aware of the health care services that are available.

Rab McEwan interim chief operating officer, said: “We have been working with doctors not affected by the strike, nurses and other clinical staff on robust plans to ensure that appropriate care is delivered.

“Normal services our hospitals provide will be affected and we are in touch with the patients concerned, however, if you have an appointment on either Tuesday or Wednesday and haven’t heard from  us, we still want to see you.”

Mr McEwan added: “Patients in need of emergency hospital care will continue to receive the treatment they need when they need it. In all cases priority will be given to those patients with the most pressing health needs.

“A&E is for medical emergencies and people facing life-threatening conditions such as serious accidents, serious burns, breathing problems, heart attacks and strokes.

“Anyone who needs help in such circumstances should not hesitate in calling 999. There are other healthcare options available for less serious situations – such as visiting your pharmacist or GP, calling NHS 111 or using NHS Choices - www.nhs.uk.”

• NHS England has issued advice to patients in the county who become ill during the junior doctors strike.

It is advised to only use A&E when a patient's condition has become serious or life threatening. In these cases, call 999 or attend the nearest A&E department, where essential care is being provided by senior staff.

Worcestershire hospitals have been contacting all patients with planned operations or appointments during strike periods, in cases where these need to be cancelled.

It is warned GP practises will be open, but demand is expected to be higher than normal - so it is advised to contact a practise as early as possible for an appointment.

Alternatively, it is suggested to visit a local pharmacist or call the NHS 111, both of which can provide medical advice.

For more visit nhs.uk/strike.