Oxfordshire residents are being urged to use health services appropriately with the upcoming junior doctors strike expected to cause disruption.

Junior doctors, including those at Oxford University Hospitals, will take industrial action from 7am on Thursday, June 27, until 7am on Tuesday, July 2.

This will cause disruption to patient appointments and increase waiting times at emergency departments.

While urgent and emergency care will continue, some appointments and planned procedures have been rescheduled, and patients directly affected by this are being contacted.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is aiming to prioritise patients with the highest clinical needs and urges people to use services such as NHS 111 online, pharmacies, minor injuries units or GPs for all non-emergency healthcare needs.

Sara Randall, chief operating officer at the trust, said: "As always, our top priority during this planned industrial action is ensuring patient safety while maintaining the highest standard of care.

"We are committed to keeping disruption to a minimum, and we have measures in place to ensure the safety and welfare of our patients and our staff."

She added: "We will prioritise patients who are in genuine need of emergency care. It is important that patients requiring urgent medical care continue to seek help as usual, especially in emergencies and life-threatening situations.

"Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during another period of industrial action."