Upper Hunter residents seeking hospital treatment could be affected by a statewide walkout by doctors next week.
Australian Salaried Medical Officers have been warned by the Ministry of Health to refrain from action, however they plan to walk-out for three days starting next Tuesday, in a bid for better pay and more staff.
The stoppage is expected to affect services at Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital, which is the main urgent care provider for the Upper Hunter.
Emergency and critical care across the region will still be available, however elective surgeries are set to be affected.
Outpatient clinics will also be put on hold.
The association has told the ABC the decision is a last resort and is a result of the failure of the state government.
The Hunter New England Health department has been contacted for comment.
