PATIENTS are being urged not to flood Hampshire’s emergency departments in a bid to get treated tomorrow unless it is a genuine emergency.

As doctors across the county prepare to take industrial action for the first time in almost 40 years, health bosses want to reassure residents that patient safety will remain the priority.

But while doctors will treat the critically injured or seriously ill, patients with minor ailments are being encouraged to stay at home and wait until Friday to see their GP instead of heading to accident and emergency.

The day of action by members of the British Medical Association will include GPs, consultant doctors and junior doctors, but as they are under no obligation to inform their bosses if they are taking part, it is still unclear how many will be suspending non-urgent care for 24 hours.

Not all GP practices will be taking part in the action but of the 140 in our region, about 20 to 30 per cent have indicated their participation, which could increase on the day, according to Hampshire BMA members.

It comes in protest at the Government’s controversial pension plans.

The BMA argues that higherpaid NHS staff already pay proportionately more for their pension than most other public sector workers.

Doctors currently at the start of their careers would be hardest hit, having to pay hundreds of thousands of pounds extra – double what they would have paid – in lifetime pensions contributions, according to the association.

Dr Nigel Watson, senior partner at the Arnewood Practice in New Milton and BMA member, told the Daily Echo that it was disappointing that things had got to this stage but that this time the Government had gone too far.

He said: “Doctors will be there and will be treating people who need help.

“The reason it has come this far is because of the significant anger doctors feel about the unfairness with which they are being treated.”

As it is not a strike, doctors will be expected to turn up to their place of work if rostered to work but will only be engaged in emergency and urgent work on the day.

Health bosses across the county have been working with doctors to ensure patient safety throughout the day and those patients who were expecting routine appointments or procedures should have been contacted about possible postponements.

Dr Stuart Ward, medical director for the Southampton, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Portsmouth Primary Care Trust, said: “All GP surgeries will remain open, and if you need urgent clinical attention then you will receive it.

“If your need to see a GP is not urgent, then you will probably have to wait until Friday or perhaps next week.

“Emergency departments remain available for appropriate cases, for genuine emergencies requiring immediate medical attention. Please do not use it as an alternative to visiting your GP – at any time, but particularly on June 21.”

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, said that patients should keep their appointments and attend for planned treatment unless they have been contacted directly by the trust.