Managers at King George Hospital have asked patients with surgery planned tomorrow to be “on standby” as they prepare for the biggest public sector strike in decades.

Clinics including physiotherapy and scans have been cancelled at the site in Barley Lane, Goodmayes, while Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) which runs both King George and Queen’s Hospital, Romford, say emergency services, cancer and urgent surgery will remain open.

Outpatients who have not been contacted by staff are advised to turn up for their appointment as normal.

A hospital spokesman said: “Our hospitals will keep key services running and work to minimise the impact on patients wherever possible.

“Patients and their families should be confident that we will continue to provide urgent care, and make sure that all patients staying in the hospital or coming into the hospital as emergencies will be given a high standard of care.”

She added: “We are not cancelling all clinics or routine surgery. However, we may need to make further cancellations on the day, if this is necessary to ensure we can provide safe care to emergency patients.”

London Ambulance Service also warned people services would be affected, but said they would prioritise their response to the most seriously ill and injured patients. A spokesman said today: “Although our staff will be answering all 999 calls, some patients with minor illnesses or injuries – such as back pain, upset stomachs or small cuts and bruises – might not receive an ambulance response.

“Instead, they will be given advice on how to look after themselves or told where else to seek help.”

Nearly every school in Redbridge is expected to close tomorrow as a result of the action, after teachers’ unions decided to join the other public workers, some for the first time in their history.

Elsewhere in the borough Redbridge Magistrates’ Court, Cranbrook Road, Barkingside, will be affected, as well as a range of council services and the Job Centre in High Road, Seven Kings.

Public sector workers are walking out over proposed changes to their pensions that will see them paying more contributions for a smaller pay out, and working for longer.

The Recorder will publish online a detailed list of affected services later this afternoon.

How will you be affected by the industrial action? Do you agree with the trade unions? Call 0208 477 3821 or email tim.dickens@archant.co.uk.