PATIENTS visiting Great Western Hospital and Trowbridge Hospital  are being warned to expect some disruption today as NHS workers go on strike.

There will picketing outside the hospital between 7am and 11am as Swindon workers join a national day of action, with staff calling for improved working conditions and a pay rise.

However, hospital chiefs say the strike will have no effect on patients requiring emergency treatment.

The hospital has rearranged some routine appointments with patients which were scheduled to take place this morning.

Any patients who have appointments but haven’t been contacted by the hospital are asked to attend them as planned.

A spokesman for the GWH said: “Although this national dispute is with the government, it is likely that some of our staff, as union members, may take part.

“We have plans in place to ensure any disruption to patients is kept to a minimum and will plan our services accordingly.

“Our priority is to ensure we maintain patient services and continue to provide safe and high quality care.

“We have encouraged staff to let us know if they plan to take part in the strike action, so that we are able to plan services so there is minimal disruption to patients.”

Unions representing NHS workers said the descision to strike wasn’t made lightly.

Carole Vallelly, a representative of the GMB union, said: “Morale in the NHS is very, very low at the moment.

“The staff haven’t had a pay rise in five years and I know that is obviously an issue for them. Many of those in the NHS feel extremely undervalued by the service.

“Also they feel that ongoing cost cuts are squeezing them and leaving them unable to do their job to the standard they want to.

“Thankfully, NHS staff do feel appreciated by the public and they have been pleased to hear that many people are in support of this action.”

Dave Prentis, general secretary of Unison, said: “NHS members don’t take action often or lightly.

“For many of our members this will be the first time they have walked out as the last action over pay was 32 years ago.

“The NHS runs on the goodwill of its workers, but this Government has shown utter contempt for them.”

Jane Jackson, Unison rep, added: "This is about pay but it is also about respect. NHS workers feel like they're being ignored."

For more information about how the strike will affect Great Western Hospital visit www.gwh.nhs.uk.