HAMPSHIRE hospitals have been experiencing 'extremely busy' times in its emergency departments.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which covers Andover War Memorial Hospital, Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital and Royal Hampshire County Hospital, has urged people to only contact 999 in an emergency.

In a Facebook post, the trust said: “Our emergency departments are extremely busy at the moment. If you attend our emergency departments for a non-urgent issue, you may experience delays.

“If you need medical care, please consider which service is best for your needs. If you're unsure, you can access instant medical advice via 111.nhs.uk.

“Always call 999 in a serious medical emergency.”

This comes as health secretary Steve Barclay said there is “still a question” over whether ambulance services will cover all emergency callouts during strikes.

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Unions have said they will respond to life-threatening incidents – known as a category one call – when they strike on December 21 in a row over pay.

The GMB, Unison and Unite are co-ordinating industrial action across England and Wales after accusing the Government of ignoring pleas for a decent wage rise.

Mr Barclay said officials plan to meet on Thursday to discuss coverage of category two callouts – which cover heart attacks, strokes, epilepsy and burns.

Members of the union will strike at South West Ambulance Service, South East Coast Ambulance Service, North West Ambulance Service, South Central Ambulance Service, North East Ambulance Service, East Midlands Ambulance Service, West Midlands Ambulance Service, Welsh Ambulance Service, and Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

GMB representatives are set to meet individual trusts to discuss requirements for life-and-limb cover.