GLOUCESTERSHIRE Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has said it will try and keep disruption to a minimum when doctors go on strike tomorrow (June 21).

A number of NHS doctors who are members of the British Medical Association will be taking industrial action for 24 hours in response to proposed changes to public sector pensions.

NHS Gloucestershire is urging any patient with an appointment at Cheltenham General or Gloucestershire Royal Hospitals on 21st June 2012 to come in as planned unless contacted directly by the hospital.

Contingency plans are in place to ensure that patient services at Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General Hospitals continue to be delivered safely and consistently throughout the day.

Emergency services will be unaffected, and the majority of planned appointments and procedures are due to go ahead.

In order to minimise disruption on the day, the Trust has also taken the decision to reschedule some routine outpatient appointments and operations planned for June 21 and will contact patients who are affected by the change.

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust's Director of Medicine Dr Sean Elyan, said: "We would like to reassure the public that, whilst we do not know exactly what impact industrial action will have on the hospital, we will do all we can to minimise disruption for our patients and to avoid last minute cancellations of appointments where possible.

"We will continue to provide a high standard of patient care and all emergency services will be provided in the usual way.

"We are proactively contacting any patients with appointments that may be affected on the day and would ask that unless you are contacted, to attend your appointment as planned.

"We are confident, that through the professionalism and commitment of our workforce, the standard of clinical care will not in any way be compromised."

The Trust website will be updated during the day if there is any change. Go to: www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk