AIREDALE Hospital chiefs are reminding the public to only use A&E in emergencies as the latest strike by junior doctors looms.

During a three-day national walkout just before Christmas, tens of thousands of hospital appointments and procedures across the country had to be postponed.

And NHS bosses warn that the next industrial action, which begins on Wednesday (January 3) and continues until January 9, is expected to "significantly impact" services once again.

During the strike, emergency provision at Airedale Hospital – and Bradford Teaching Hospitals Trust – will be maintained, but a number of elective care treatments and outpatient appointments will be hit.

Leanne Cooper, chief operating officer at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, says: "Because we’re in the winter period when more people are unwell, our emergency departments are already extremely busy. They will be additionally impacted by the latest industrial action, so it’s incredibly important that people only come to A&E if they are seriously unwell or injured.

"To help us look after those who need emergency medical assistance, please use NHS 111 online as a first port of call for non-urgent medical advice.

"Remember 999 and A&E departments are for the most serious or life-threatening injuries or illnesses."