Health chiefs have made an urgent plea to patients ahead of the disruption set to be caused by the latest junior doctors' strikes.
People who need NHS services are being asked to ease the pressure on A&E departments by using them only for "life and limb-threatening emergencies".
Junior doctors are due to strike from 7am on Wednesday, December 20 until 7am on Saturday, December 23.
Industrial action will continue in the new year with a six-day walkout - the longest in NHS history - starting at 7am on January 3.
Junior doctors are seeking a 35 per cent pay increase to make up for what the British Medical Association says have been below-inflation rises since 2008. But talks with the government have broken down.
READ MORE: Junior doctors 'walked away before final offer' - Health Secretary
University Hospital Southampton and other NHS sites are braced for the impact of the two walkouts.
An NHS spokesperson said: "During a further period of inevitable disruption, patient safety remains our absolute priority.
"We continue to work with partners across the Hampshire and Isle of Wight health and care system to ensure that people who require access to services receive care and treatment in as timely a way as possible.
"Your local NHS will support you to get the right care, at the right place, at the right time.
"Urgent Treatment Centres and pharmacies are equipped to deal with minor injuries such as cuts or sprains. Only go to a hospital’s Emergency Department for life-threatening accidents and emergencies.
"If you have an urgent medical problem and you are not sure what to do, visit 111 online at 111.nhs.uk.
"You can also download the Healthier Together app for advice if you have children or carer responsibilities.
"Regardless of any strike 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 - when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk."
Patients with routine appointments on strike days will be contacted by the NHS if their appointment needs to be rescheduled.
"If you have not been contacted, you should attend your appointment as planned," said the spokesperson.
READ MORE: Junior doctors to stage longest strike in NHS history after talks break down
Dr Tim Cooper, deputy chief medical officer for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, said: "No one should put off seeking urgent care in an emergency during the strike action.
"However, we are urging people to attend our emergency departments only if it's a life or limb-threatening situation.
"There are a number of alternative services including pharmacies, urgent treatment centres (UTCs), Healthier Together, and 111 online."
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