THE Isle of Wight NHS Trust is NOT affected by today's ambulance service strikes.

St Mary's Hospital does continue to be working under a critical incident status however, and advice has been issued to patients who need help.

A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight NHS Trust said today: "We continue to be busy, both our 999 and 111 service.

"Irrespective of the strike action we would like to remind the public only to use 999 for life-threatening or serious emergencies – such as a person unresponsive and/or not breathing, symptoms of stroke, severe chest pains, breathlessness, major blood loss or serious burns.

"If you need help and it is not an emergency please use 111 online or your local GP.

"Alternatively, pharmacists can advise on minor illnesses, injuries and managing symptoms."

In many NHS trusts, paramedics, call handlers, drivers and technicians from the Unison and GMB unions are taking part in staggered strikes across a 24-hour period.

The Isle of Wight is not affected by this strike action.

If you need help call 111 or click here for 111 online