St Peter's Hospital bosses have prepared “robust contingency plans” ahead of two full walk-outs by junior doctors scheduled for next week.

The British Medical Association (BMA) has proposed the strikes over rows over changes to junior doctors’ new contracts and pay.

Junior doctors across the country will not provide emergency cover during the two-day strike between Tuesday April 26 and Wednesday April 27, from 8am to 5pm.

Doctors on strike had provided emergency care to patients during previous walk-outs.

But the NHS trust that runs St Peter’s and Ashford hospitals has said preparations are being made ahead of the strikes to ensure patient safety.

David Fluck, medical director of Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Robust contingency plans are being put in place to ensure that patients are safe at all times during these strike days and we would like to reassure people that patient safety is our top priority.

“If the strike action goes ahead, we will continue to provide full emergency services, but this will mean that a number of our outpatient appointments and a small number of elective surgeries will need to be rescheduled to ensure patient safety. We apologise in advance for this disruption.

“We will be contacting patients who are affected. However, if you have an appointment on one of these days and you have not been contacted to reschedule, please attend your appointment as normal.”

Doctors at the North West Surrey Clinical Commissioning Group have also urged people to visit GP surgeries on non-strike days to avoid long waiting times if they are not able to self-care.

In an emergency, patients should call 999 or go to A&E for serious emergency illnesses or injury.

Patients with less serious needs can call the NHS 111 or visit a walk-in centre or pharmacy.