The Isle of Wight hospital's junior doctors have started three-days of strike action this morning (Wednesday, December 20), amid an ongoing pay dispute.

The IW NHS Trust is asking Islanders to only visit St Mary's Hospital's emergency department if their condition is ‘life-threatening’, such as signs of a heart attack, stroke, heavy bleeding or difficulty breathing. 

Striking junior doctors walked out at 7am, seeking a 35 per cent pay increase to make up for what the British Medical Association says has been below-inflation rises since 2008. But talks with the government have broken down.

Industrial action will continue in the new year with a six-day walkout - the longest in NHS history - starting at 7am on January 3.

Isle of Wight County Press: Striking doctors holding placards outside St Mary's Hospital earlier this yearStriking doctors holding placards outside St Mary's Hospital earlier this year (Image: Isle of Wight County Press)

A spokesperson from the IW NHS Trust said: “Our services continue to be extremely busy, and we expect our services to experience further pressure during the strikes.

“Our teams are working incredibly hard, and they really appreciate the support they continue to receive from the public and our patients during this challenging time. 

“Even with the extra pressure that our staff are under, please be reassured they are working hard to keep people safe. 

“Emergency Departments will prioritise patients who are in need of our services for life-saving care, so that will likely mean longer waits for conditions that are less critical. 

“Please do consider all the services available to you, the NHS is always here to provide advice and care, but anything you can do to plan ahead or keep yourself safe will really help us.”

The Isle of Wight NHS Trust says you can help by:

  1. Only use the Emergency Department or call 999 for life-threatening injuries or illnesses.
  2. Collecting family and friends from hospital as soon as they are ready to be discharged to free up beds for those who need them.
  3. Support friends, family and neighbours with shopping and collecting prescriptions if needed.
  4. Only call 999 in the event of a life-threatening illness or injury.
  5. Visit NHS 111 online or call NHS 111 for health advice, or contact your local pharmacist or GP.