Up to 50,000 resident doctors in England are expected to join the industrial action from 7am on Friday 25 July to 7am on Wednesday 30 July.

The poll by YouGov shows 52% of people in the UK either somewhat oppose (20%) or strongly oppose (32%) the idea of resident doctors going on strike over pay.

Meanwhile, 34% of the 4,954 adults surveyed either somewhat support (23%) or strongly support (11%) doctor strikes.

Older people are more likely to be against, with 52% of those aged over 65 strongly opposed, compared with 10% of those aged 18 to 24.

YouGov said the proportion supporting the strike has dropped five points since it asked the question in May, then 48% opposed the strike, while 39% supported the action.

The poll comes as trusts prepare to cope with the action.

Dr Kate Wood, group chief medical officer for NHS Humber Health Partnership, said: ‘This is the twelfth resident doctors strike that we've seen so our staff are well rehearsed at putting plans in place to prepare.

'However, we know that five days of industrial action will place further pressure on our already busy services. As with previous strikes we'd really appreciate the support of our local communities.'

Professor Craig Harris, chief operating officer at NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB, said: ‘I feel it is important to reassure everyone that the NHS has tried and tested plans in place to mitigate risks to patient safety and manage the disruption caused by industrial action, and protect emergency treatment.'

Manjeet Shehmar, medical director at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: ‘Whilst strikes create significant pressure, patient safety is our highest priority, and we have well-tested plans in place to ensure we can continue to deliver urgent and emergency care to those who need it.'