Junior doctors will walk out again over pay on Friday as local health bosses are warning of "immense pressure" on the NHS.

The four-day strike will stretch either side of the weekend, starting at 7am on Friday (August 11) and ending at 7am next Tuesday (August 15).

The industrial action is the latest in a long-running dispute over pay and conditions. Industrial action has already taken place a number of times this year, including 72 hour walkouts in March and June and two 96 hour walkouts in April. Consultants are also set to strike at the end of the month.

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 "final offer" of six per cent on the table on top of a £1,250 pay rise for junior doctors. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said last month that there would be "no more talks on pay" and "no amount of strikes" would change the decision.

Local NHS bosses have warned of pressure on our services and offered advice to those needing treatment over the weekend. Dr Nil Sanganee, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Integrated Care Board said: "We plan carefully to ensure we can continuously provide safe care for patients that need it during the industrial action, and emergency services will be maintained – but please help us by choosing the right NHS service for your needs.

"For example, during the summer holidays children are spending more time outdoors. If they have a minor accident, with a bump or scrape, as long as it's not a life-threatening emergency, you can use the NHS111 service. They can give advice on what you need to do and can even make you an appointment at a local urgent treatment centre if necessary. That means no long wait for your child in the hospital emergency department and it frees up services for people who are seriously ill.

"If you're away from home on holiday in the UK and you're unlucky enough to be unwell, you can still contact your usual GP practice. They will be able to provide a phone or video consultation and, if you need medication, they can arrange for prescriptions to be sent to any pharmacy you choose. You can also use NHS 111 online for advice about getting the right care near to where you are."

He added: "Also, please plan ahead where you can. Before you go on holiday, if you take regular medication, make sure you order your prescription in good time, so you don't run out when you're away. It's also a good idea to pack a basic first aid kit so that you can easily take care of minor issues. All of these actions will help the NHS during what is expected to be a difficult month. This week's junior doctors' strike will be followed by a consultants' strike from August 24 to 26."

People are being advised to still come forward for care if they need it, including calling 999 in the event of serious or life-threatening emergencies. 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."