Patients have been warned of potential disruption as a strike gets underway at Congleton War Memorial Hospital.

The British Medical Association has announced a five-day walkout of resident doctors from 7am on Friday (July 25) to 7am on Wednesday (July 30).

Previously known as junior doctors, the walkout will result in 'significant service disruption' across all East Cheshire NHS Trust sites including Macclesfield, Knutsford and Congleton hospitals.

Dr John Hunter, chief medical officer for East Cheshire NHS Trust said: "We are working closely with partners to ensure appropriate plans are enacted to deal with this severe disruption.

"During the resident doctor strikes, we are hoping to maintain as much planned activity as possible to minimise the disruption to patients."

The industrial action comes to an end at 7am on Wednesday, July 30 (Credit: ECNHST)

The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled. If you have not been contacted, attend your appointment as planned.

The trust has urged the public to be mindful about calling 999 and visiting A&E during the industrial action, asking them to only do so in the event of a 'life-threatening' emergency.

Such circumstances include cardiac arrest, loss of consciousness, fits that are not stopping, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, allergic reactions and serious head injuries.

For non-urgent concerns, please seek help from NHS 111 online, or contact your GP and pharmacist.