Clinical leaders at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are urging members of the public to take simple steps to help ensure urgent and emergency care is available to patients who need it most during the upcoming industrial action.  

This includes using 111 online as the first port of call for health needs and continuing to only use 999 in an emergency - when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. 

The strike by doctors will take place between 7am on Wednesday 14 June and 7am on Saturday 17 June and will impact services across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.  

Patients who have hospital appointments during this period should still attend as planned unless they have been contacted directly. 

Dr Jen Joiner, consultant in emergency medicine and clinical director for unscheduled care, said: 

“Our priority is delivering the best possible patient care, ensuring our services run smoothly and safely. 

“We will continue to work tirelessly to care for those who need our help, and are asking people to support their local hospitals by keeping emergency departments free for those who need our care the most. 

“Do not to put off seeking urgent care in an emergency, however please only attend our emergency departments if it is an urgent and/or life threatening situation.” 

Disruption to services is unavoidable during the strikes, and Hampshire Hospitals is working closely with partners to ensure services run as smoothly as possible. Some planned care may be postponed to protect emergency treatment, critical care, neonatal and maternity care, and trauma. Patients who have waited the longest for elective care and cancer surgery will also be prioritised.  

The NHS is also asking the public to play their part by taking simple steps during industrial action to look after themselves, loved ones and checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours. 

GP practices will continue to be open during the junior doctors strike. Patients should continue to seek help and attend GP and dental appointments unless contacted and told otherwise.