Wiltshire and Swindon residents are being reminded of how they can support the NHS during the upcoming junior doctors strikes.

The strikes will take place at the Great Western Hospital in Swindon as well as at the Royal United Hospital in Bath and Salisbury District Hospital.

Junior doctors are expected to walk out for five days from 7am on Thursday, June 27, until the same time on Tuesday, July 2.

Healthcare leaders have issued a call for the public to show the same kind of support seen during previous strike actions.

The strikes, although not occurring in winter, are expected to pose significant challenges, particularly as they clash with Glastonbury Festival.

While all GP practices in the region will remain open, some surgeries could be busier than usual.

People needing help that cannot wait should get advice from a community pharmacy or the NHS 111 service.

These alternatives can provide advice on symptoms, possible treatment options and, where appropriate, directions to other in-person NHS services.

People can find details of their nearest pharmacy, including opening hours, via the Find a Pharmacy function on the NHS website.

Anyone with a confirmed hospital appointment for any of the strike days will be contacted at the earliest opportunity if their consultation or procedure needs to be postponed.

Those who are not contacted are asked to attend as usual and not to phone ahead to check the status of an appointment.

People experiencing a life-threatening emergency, such as chest pains, severe bleeding or loss of consciousness, should not put off attending the nearest hospital or calling 999.

Gill May, chief nurse, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: "Although we are no longer in the depths of winter, all periods of prolonged industrial action within the NHS are real causes for concern, and this one especially so, due to it coinciding with this year’s Glastonbury.

"Our hospitals throughout the five-day walkout, as well as in the days immediately after, are expected to be extremely busy, with our teams doing their utmost to keep services running so that people requiring urgent care can get the help they desperately need.

"Local people can support us in achieving this difficult task by only visiting hospital or calling 999 in genuine, life-threatening emergencies and by seeking help for minor illnesses and injuries from the many other services that will be open as usual during the strikes."