Nottinghamshire's NHS health leaders have thanked the public for their continued support as the junior doctor strikes move into their final day. 

The industrial action is taking place over a 96-hour period between 7am on 11 April and 7am tomorrow (15 April), with the action impacting the county's hospitals, mental health services, GP practices and other NHS services. The industrial action is being led by the British Medical Association (BMA).

Hospitals and other health and care services have faced increased pressure due to the reduction in staff and as the weekend approaches the public are being asked to continue to think carefully about which services they use. 

Dr Stephen Shortt, Deputy Medical Director at NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire said: "Firstly, I would like to apologise for any disruption that patients may have faced over the last few days. I would also like to thank the public for their understanding and support this week, your help in choosing the right services and only attending emergency departments when necessary has played an important part in making sure we continue to run smoothly.

"As a system, we have worked hard to keep essential urgent and emergency services running so that patients can continue to access the vital medical attention they need. The actions we have put in place to ensure we can continue to care for emergency and urgent patients have been effective and we'd like to thank everyone who has helped.

"I want to ask the public to continue to support us as we head into the weekend. Please help by only calling 999 or attending A&E in a genuine emergency. There are other services available, including our Urgent Treatment Centres and NHS111, GPs and pharmacies, so please choose the right service for your needs."

While the NHS is there to see the public safely throughout this industrial action, there are significantly fewer doctors to call upon – which means it could take longer for patients with less urgent concerns to be seen. 

Members of the public are urged to help the NHS to continue to provide care for those who need it most by using the right services at the right time.

This can be achieved by keeping 999 and A&E clear for genuine life-threatening emergencies; using NHS 111 online or by phone for other urgent care needs; contacting your GP practice for non-urgent care;  calling the 24/7 crisis line on 0808 1963779 if you need mental health support; and visiting your local pharmacy for help with coughs, colds, tummy troubles and stings.