Junior doctors across Hertfordshire and West Essex are set to strike from tomorrow morning (Thursday, July 13).

The industrial action will last for 120 hours, from 7am until 7am on Tuesday, July 18.

Consultant doctors and dentists will also strike for 48 hours from 7am on Thursday, July 20.

Health chiefs have warned "routine and emergency care are likely to be significantly affected" at hospitals including Watford General.

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Stevenage's Lister Hopsital and Harlow's Princess Alexandra Hospital are also included in the warning.

Patients are advised to attend pre-booked appointments as scheduled, unless this appointment has been postponed.

Dr Jane Halpin, chief executive of the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “These strikes will present many challenges to patients, our hospitals, and some of our GP practices too.

"With large numbers of doctors expected to be absent, hospitals will not be able to run as normal and services will be working under immense pressure for more than a week.

“Even with the careful planning that is taking place, both routine and emergency care are likely to be significantly affected.

"In order to prioritise life-saving emergency treatment for people who need it, hospitals will postpone some non-urgent operations, treatments and routine appointments.

"Where this is the case, patients will be contacted directly.

"This is really unfortunate for those whose treatment is delayed, but with the majority of doctors not working, remaining staff must cover the essential care patients need.

“A&E is always for serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies only, so in a genuine medical emergency always call 999.

"There are many sources of advice about when to call 999, including on the NHS website.

"If you come to A&E with a minor condition or illness during the strike, you are likely to face a very long wait.

"If you call 999 for an ambulance when you don’t need one, you could endanger the life of another person in desperate need of emergency care.

"NHS 111 is there 24 hours a day if you or a family member are unwell and need urgent medical help or advice on where to go.

"We have more staff in the NHS 111 service to cover this challenging week, so please use 111 online or by phone if you cannot manage symptoms yourself at home.

“I would like to thank everyone for their understanding and support at this challenging time.”