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Junior Doctors Strike Action Gets Underway On Isle Of Wight

Junior doctors' industrial action got underway at 7am today (Wednesday) for the start of six days of strike action.

The strike action - which takes place across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight - will begin the longest period of strike action in the history of the NHS.

With strain increasing on local medical services, the past few weeks has seen some hospitals and services take serious measures to cope with the number of patients in an effort to protect levels of patient safety.

This has at times meant patients have had to wait longer than expected or, in some cases, be redirected to different services.

A spokesperson for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Chief Medical and Chief Nursing Officers said:

"Although our Emergency Departments are busy, patients should not put off seeking urgent or emergency care, as Emergency Departments will continue to provide lifesaving care when needed.

"However, patients should only call 999 or attend the Emergency Department if it is a medical or mental health emergency.

"We are also asking the public to help us by getting friends and relatives home when they are well enough to leave hospital. By helping transport friends and family home, you help us free up space within our hospitals more quickly."

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