Health services in Croydon have postponed hundreds of appointments ahead of Wednesday’s junior doctors strike.

More than 247 patients have had their appointments pushed back, 31 are routine operations.

Jayne Black, chief operating officer and deputy chief executive at Croydon Health Services NHS Trust said: “We are making arrangements to bring our consultants and nurses together in the right the places so that we can continue to deliver safe care.

“We are really sorry to have to again cancel planned appointments and operations. We know how upsetting and frustrating this can be for our patients, but we must prioritise our services on the day for anyone whose care could be compromised if it was delayed.

“By postponing less urgent appointments, we can make sure that services for those in need of emergency care, as well as our cancer diagnosis and treatment clinics, are not affected.

“Every appointment will be rescheduled.  We are calling all of our patients affected to agree another appointment for as soon as possible.”

LAST WEEK: Junior doctors' strike back on as union fails to reach agreement with government

Junior doctors will walk off the job for 24 hours on Wednesday after talks with the Government over new contracts failed to produce an agreement.

It will be the second day of industrial action for junior doctors, who previously went on strike on January 12.

The emergency department and urgent care services at Croydon University Hospital will run as normal.