DOCTORS surgeries will be unaffected by the strikes tomorrow (Thurs) according to NHS North Somerset.

Patients are being advised to treat tomorrow as any normal day despite doctors’ strikes planned across the country.

GPs will engage in their first major strike since the 1970s following a dispute over pensions, after the British Medical Association balloted members last month.

Doctors were criticised for deciding on strike action by health secretary Andrew Lansley last month, who said newly-qualified doctors can expect a pension worth about �68,000 per year, once they reach the age of 65.

But NHS North Somerset is confident that services will run as normal despite the strike action.

A spokesman for the primary care trust said patients should not notice a major difference to any other day.

She said: “We can confirm that the majority of GP practices within Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire will be taking no action tomorrow.

“Those GP practices who are taking part in the industrial action have confirmed to the PCT that they have made arrangements that will mean any patient who is unwell or believes themselves to be in need of medical care on that day will be seen by a GP or other health professional within the practice.”