HOSPITAL appointments, operations and procedures will be cancelled tomorrow as junior doctors prepare to walk out on strike.

The public is being asked to use NHS hospital services responsibly ahead of a 24-hour stoppage which starts at 8am on Wednesday.

Patients at Halton, Warrington and Whiston hospitals are advised not to use A&E unless it is an absolute emergency.

People are urged to use the urgent care centres at Halton Hospital in Runcorn and Widnes Health Resource Centre for any minor illness or injury.

They are open every day from 7am to 10pm.

Professor Kevin Hardy, executive medical director at St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said “Some of the planned services our hospitals provide will be affected and we are contacting the patients concerned.

“Patients in need of emergency hospital care will continue to receive the treatment they need, when they need it. In all cases priority will be given to those patients with the most pressing health needs.

“Accident & Emergency is for people facing life-threatening conditions and emergencies such as serious accidents, serious burns, breathing problems, heart attacks and strokes.”

The junior doctors’ strike will affect all hospital services except emergency care.

Government officials and the British Medical Association were locked in last ditch talks as the World went to press on Tuesday to try and avert the industrial action.