PEOPLE in need of hospital care in Salisbury are being urged to come forward despite junior doctors going on strike.

The latest walkout as part of an ongoing dispute over pay and conditions saw staff walkout at 7am on Saturday (February 24), until midnight on Wednesday.

“Salisbury District Hospital will be very busy, but will continue to focus on providing safe patient care,” a spokesperson said. “Our teams will continue to ensure patient safety and maintain critical services.

“During this period please consider alternatives such as your GP, local pharmacy, and out of hours, the Salisbury Walk-in Centre.

“If you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital you can visit NHS 111 online or by telephone.”

They said patients should only call 999 or attend A&E if it is an urgent or life-threatening health emergency.

“Regardless of the industrial 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 and our services will be there for these people,” the spokesperson added.

“If people attend our A&E Department with a minor injury or concern please be patient as the wait may be longer than usual as critical cases will be prioritised.

“If you have an appointment at the hospital and we have not contacted you directly, please attend your appointment as planned. The NHS will contact you if your appointment needs to be rescheduled.”