PEOPLE are being advised to still seek urgent medical treatment at Salisbury Hospital if required as consultants and junior doctors go on strike this week.

The industrial action, in a dispute over pay and conditions, got underway at 7am this morning (October 2) and runs until 7am on Thursday.

However, people are being advised to still seek treatment if urgent, and those with appointments should attend unless contacted by the hospital.

“During industrial action by consultants and junior doctors our hospital will be very busy, but we will continue to provide safe patient care,” a hospital spokesperson said.

“Our hospital’s focus will continue to remain on ensuring patient safety and that critical services are maintained through this strike period.

“If you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital, go to NHS 111 online. Patients should only call 999 or attend A&E if it is an urgent or life-threatening health emergency.

“Regardless of any strike action taking place, it is really important that patients who need urgent medical care continue to come forward as normal, especially in emergency and life-threatening cases.

“If we have not contacted you, please attend your appointment as planned. The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled due to strike action.”