Fresh strikes by junior doctors are expected to hit Musgrove Park Hospital this month as part of an ongoing dispute over pay and conditions.

Following an overwhelming vote by members of the doctor's union, the British Medical Association, junior doctors will commence a four day walkout starting April 11.

Junior doctors will be joined in the industrial action by dental trainees as they stop work for 96 hours from 7am on Tuesday, April 11, to 7pm on Saturday, April 15.

According to NHS England, the strikes will see medical staff implement a full stoppage, including night shifts, on-call shifts, and non-resident work. The BMA has confirmed there will be no derogation agreement whereby safe staffing levels will be ensured, other than in the event of a major incident.

In guidance issued ahead of the planned strikes, NHS Somerset said: "The safety of patients and staff is paramount and the NHS in Somerset is committed to keeping, where possible, disruption to their services to a minimum during this time.

"It is possible that non-urgent, routine appointments and procedures may be cancelled and postponed, to prioritise treatment for those most acutely unwell in community settings, GP practices and hospitals.

"You will be notified directly if you are affected by the changes.

"Regardless of any industrial action taking place patients who need urgent medical care should continue to come forward, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk.

"On days when industrial action is taking place, people should only call 999 if it is a medical or mental health emergency. Ambulances will still be able to respond in these situations, but this may only be where there is the most immediate risk to life."

In a statement announcing the strike action, the BMA said: "A crippling cost-of-living crisis, burnout and well below inflation pay rises risk driving hard working doctors out of their profession at a time when we need them more than ever. To protect the NHS, the Government must engage and address doctors’ concerns.

"But so far, they have refused to meet with us. This has left doctors with no other option but to vote on whether to take industrial action. If junior doctors are forced out of the NHS because of poor pay and conditions, the services we all rely on to look after our loved ones will suffer."

In a statement the Health Secretary Steve Barclay accused unions of taking a 'militant position' and said he was determined to reach agreement with doctors following successful negations with the nurse's union last month.