Barts Health patients are being urged to leave extra time for their journeys when the Tour de France arrives in the capital next month on July 7.

The world-famous cycle race will start in Cambridge before heading to Lonon where it will come close to three of Barts Health NHS Trust’s sites – Whipps Cross, Newham and The Royal London hospitals.

Road closures along the route will take effect from 10am in the morning until 6pm at night with the peloton – the lead group of cyclists – expected to reach London at about 3pm.

Many roads will be closed for the day, with bus routes also affected, with many buses on diversion and some stops temporarily relocated or suspended.

James Ross, Newham Hospital Director, said: “This is a hugely exciting event for London, but it will inevitably mean some delays in getting to and from our hospitals on that day.

“All hospital appointments will be going ahead as planned, but we’re asking patients and anyone else visiting the affected sites to allow plenty of time for their journey so that they get to us in good time.

“We’d urge everyone to plan ahead and do whatever is necessary to ensure they do not miss their appointment”.

The route will pass Whipps Cross Hospital (Lea Bridge Road A104 will be closed), down to Newham Hospital (Prince Regent Lane closed) and then close by The Royal London.

It will finish the London leg of the route by passing along the Thames and finishing on The Mall in the late afternoon. The entire route, including the part closest to Barts Health hospitals, will be closed to all traffic from 10am - 6pm, apart from people on foot.

For more information go to tfl.gov.uk/campaign/tour-de-france-2014