DORSET County Hospital will be hit by industrial action by junior doctors - the longest strike in NHS history.

Junior doctors around the country are taking action from 7am today to 7am on Tuesday, January 9.

It comes at one of the busiest times of the year for the NHS as it grapples with increased pressure from winter viruses and a rise in people coming forward who delayed seeking help over the holidays.

The British Medical Association (BMA) said junior doctors’ pay has been cut by more than a quarter since 2008. In summer 2023, the Government gave junior doctors in England an average rise of 8.8%, but medics said the increase was not enough and ramped up strike efforts.

Late last year the Government and junior doctors entered talks with a view to breaking the deadlock, but after five weeks of negotiations the talks broke down and medics called more strikes.

DCH said: “Our junior doctors are vital for patient care and the running of our hospital services.

"During their industrial action, some medically-led activity will be postponed to ensure that we can provide safe emergency and inpatient care.

"You will hear directly from us if we have to rearrange your appointment - if you don’t hear from us please attend as planned.

"No-one should put off seeking urgent or emergency care during the strikes and people with serious, life-threatening conditions will continue to be seen at our Emergency Department. However, please keep 999 and ED clear for life-threatening emergencies.”

“Please visit NHS 111 online or call 111 for other urgent care needs.”