Resident doctors taking strike action across Hampshire and Isle of Wight from today
The strikes will run until Wednesday 19th November
Resident doctors in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are taking part in the strike action from today.
It's part of a national dispute between the British Medical Association and the Government over pay.
Health and care partners are urging residents to use NHS services appropriately so that those most in need can be cared for as swiftly as possible.
Callum Parr's the vice-chair of the British Medical Association's resident doctors committee.
He said: "I never expected that I was going to have to take to the picket lines as a doctor to be valued."
The strikes start at 7am today (Friday) and will run until Wednesday 19th November.
British Medical Association's research shows 30,000 doctors applied for 10,000 places this year.
He added: "That's 20,000 qualified doctors without a training place, so that means they can't progress to become the consultants of the future, the GPs of the future.
"I say that at a time where we're waiting weeks for a GP appointment or hours in A&E.
"It's common sense to expand the number of training places."
Dr Lara Alloway, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: "We are working closely with our partners across the local NHS to plan, prepare and mitigate the potential impact on patients, communities and staff.
"Patient care remains our top priority, and we are doing everything we can to ensure services continue to run as smoothly as possible.
“If you have an appointment during the industrial action, please attend as planned unless you are contacted to reschedule.
"No one should delay seeking care or treatment during this period.
“There are a number of services including pharmacies, urgent treatment centres (UTCs), Healthier Together and 111 online.
"By using one of these alternative services to emergency departments, it allows our teams to attend to those patients who urgently need care and attention.”