BETSI Cadwaladr Health Board says they are working hard to prepare for the impact of strikes in north Wales later this week. 

Junior doctors will go on strike from 7am on Wednesday (February 21) until 7am on Friday (February 23). 

It is the second set of strikes undertaken by doctors, who previously took three days of industrial action in January. 

The Welsh junior doctors committee decided to ballot members in August after being offered a 5 per cent deal by the Welsh Government.

Ahead of the industrial action which starts later this week, Health Minister Eluned Morgan said the Welsh Government is always open to further talks but they don’t have the budget available to increase the pay deal.

The Chief Executive of NHS Wales warned there would be "significant disruption" caused by the strikes, but the health board in north Wales says they are doing all they can. 

A spokesperson for Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board said: "Please be aware that industrial action by junior doctors is due to take place in Wales between 7am on Wednesday, 21 February and continue until 7am on Friday, 23 February, 2024.

"This will impact our hospital services and we are currently working hard with our staff to keep patients safe during planned strikes while delivering the best care possible.

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"This does, however, mean that some planned care appointments will need to be rearranged. Anyone who has an appointment that needs to be rearranged will be contacted directly to discuss this.

"If you have a planned appointment then please still attend unless you are contacted directly to say otherwise.

"During this time we would urge anyone who requires care or support to visit the NHS 111 Wales website in the first instance to be advised about the most appropriate service, which might be self-care at home, a visit to the pharmacy, a GP appointment, a Minor Injuries Unit, or, in life threatening circumstances, the hospital Emergency Department."