NHS services have issued advice to patients in Leicestershire as it faces another round of junior doctor strikes. Junior doctors in the county will be walking out for three days later this week alongside colleagues across the country.

This latest in a series of strikes over pay will take place between 7am on Wednesday, June 14 and 7am on Saturday, June 17.

Industrial action has already taken place a number of times this year, including a 72 hour walkout in March and two 96 hour walkouts in April.

The British Medical Association said junior doctors have seen a massive drop in their pay by about 26 per cent in the past 15 years. They now want the Government to return junior doctor pay to 2008 levels in one go, which the Government says it can't afford. The Government has put a five per cent pay offer on the table.

NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland has said services are expected to be under greater pressure than normal. They are calling on the public to do their bit in easing the strain by accessing care in a way appropriate to their needs. Dr Nil Sanganee, chief medical officer for NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board said: "The local NHS has been planning for the industrial action to ensure we can continuously provide safe care for patients that need it. It is still likely to be a very challenging time and we do need the public to help us again by choosing wisely so we can help them get the right care as quickly as possible."

"What is most important is that people do come forward if they need medical assistance and attend any booked appointments," he added. "GP practices are open as normal during the strike so you should continue to use them for anything non-life threatening or routine, or that you haven't been able to manage yourself."

People are being advised by the local NHS that they should still call 999 if there is a serious or life-threatening emergency. People should also attend pre-booked appointments unless they have been told otherwise. GP practices will be open as normal, so people should continue to use them, NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland has said. For urgent health needs people are asked to use NHS 111 as the first port of call.

The 111 service runs 24/7 and can advise people where to get help for specific symptoms, direct people to the best local service to use, and book an appointment or arrival time to keep waiting times to a minimum. People can look after many minor illnesses and injuries themselves at home, but if they need extra support they should use 111.

For urgent mental health problems, people can call the Mental Health Central Access Point. Pharmacists are qualified health professionals and are the right people to see for advice or over-the-counter medicines, the local NHS added. They are trained in dealing with many illnesses, they can check symptoms and recommend the best treatment.

Andrew Furlong, medical director and deputy chief executive officer for the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust said: "The whole NHS is likely to be pressured during the industrial action. We are well prepared, and focussed on providing a safe urgent and emergency care service to all who need it.

"The public can help us by calling 999 in a life-threatening emergency only. You can click or call 111 for non-life threatening care, helping you get to the right place for your needs first time. Local pharmacies can help with less serious ailments. Anyone with a hospital appointment should continue to attend as planned unless they have been contacted to rearrange."

Sanjay Rao, a consultant psychiatrist for Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, said: "Crisis mental health services remain open. Our Mental Health Central Access Point is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on freephone 0808 800 3302.

"As well as assessments and early interventions where needed, the service aims to reduce the pressure on other services, particularly emergency services, by offering an alternative to NHS111 and the emergency department. Anyone needing mental health support for themselves or others can call this service. If there is an immediate threat to someone's life, please phone 999."