Dr Richard Jennings is the Chief Medical Officer for St George’s, Epsom and St Helier hospitals.
He says the timing of the walk out, after the long Easter weekend, means people should be prepared for longer waiting times.
Paediatric consultants are also warning that children’s services tend to see an increase in minor injuries over the school holidays.
Dr Jennings says: “we will continue to look after our sickest patients by prioritising emergency care.
“Patients coming to A&E when it’s not an emergency will be waiting longer – or even directed to another service.
“While we’re doing everything we can to prepare, this strike will cause major disruption.”
