NHS Gloucestershire has sought to reassure patients ahead of the next round of junior doctor strikes.

The industrial action comes after the government announced it would be imposing unpopular contracts on the doctors as they bid to create a fully seven day NHS.

The first 48-hour strike by members of the British Medical Association starts tomorrow at 8am with further action planned from 8am on April 6 to 8am on April 8 and 8am April 26 to 8am on April 28.

A spokesman for Gloucestershire Hospitals said they had “robust” plans in place to “minimise disruption”.

He added: “Patients with life threatening or serious conditions will continue to be seen at our A&E departments. Patients with minor injuries or less serious conditions should access alternative health services where they will often receive care in a more effective and timely manner. Visit asapglos.nhs.uk or download the ASAP app for more information.

“Patients who have a planned operation, outpatient clinic or procedure on Wednesday 9, Thursday 10 or Friday 11 March 2016 should attend as usual unless they hear from us directly to advise otherwise.”

The BMA also announced they would be launching a judicial review into the government’s decision to impose contracts on English junior doctors.

In a Standard poll which asked whether doctors should have contracts imposed on them, 64 per cent backed the doctors and 32 per cent backed the government. Four per cent said they “did not know”.