NHS leaders across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are asking residents to plan ahead and choose the most appropriate health service over the coming weeks as disruption is possible across health services.
Resident doctor strikes planned to take place from Wednesday 17 December to Monday 22 mean hospitals and urgent care services will be extremely busy. Patients with life threatening emergencies should still call 999 or attend an emergency department, but those with non-urgent issues are encouraged to use alternative services.
The M27 has a major full closure planned between Junctions 9 (Whiteley) and 11 (Fareham) between 24 December 2025 – 4 January 2026. This is expected to cause delays across the area, including routes serving local hospitals and GP practices. Patients travelling to appointments should:
- Allow extra time for their journey
- Check local travel and diversion updates
- Consider alternative routes or transport options.
If severe delays are expected, patients who cannot safely reach their appointment should contact the service as early as possible.
Dr Lara Alloway, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: “This is a particularly challenging period for our local NHS, with industrial action, followed by planned major road closures. We are working closely with our partners across the county to plan, prepare and mitigate the potential impact on patients, communities and staff to ensure our services continue to run as smoothly as possible.
“Patient care remains our priority, and we are working hard to ensure that we continue to deliver the best level of care possible. If you have an appointment during the industrial action you should continue to attend as planned unless you are contacted to reschedule.
“Please help us to help you by choosing the right service for your healthcare needs and making use of Pharmacy First for minor conditions. This will help us protect emergency care for those need it most.”
Pharmacies play a vital role in helping people stay well, particularly during periods of pressure amongst hospitals and GPs. Under the Pharmacy First scheme, trained pharmacists can now assess and treat several common conditions including:
- Earache (1 to 17 years)
- Impetigo (1 year and over)
- Infected insect bites (1 year and over)
- Sinusitis (12 years and over)
- Shingles (18 years and over)
- Sore throat (5 years and over)
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) (Women aged 16–64 years)
Residents are encouraged to check local pharmacy opening times in advance, particularly before travelling during the M27 works. You can find the bank holiday opening times here.
In addition to pharmacies, Urgent Treatment Centres (UTCs) will be available across the region to help with non-life threatening illnesses and injuries. They often have shorter waiting times than Emergency Departments, making them a faster alternative for many health concerns. UTCs are located in Andover, Gosport, Lymington, Petersfield, Portsmouth, Southampton, and on the Isle of Wight.
Your mental health matters too. If you feel that your mental wellbeing is not as good as it could be, you can speak to a trained mental health advisor by calling 111. For those in crisis, text 'HANTS' to 85258 to access free confidential support from trained volunteers via Shout.
As always, in a medical emergency call 999 or go directly to your nearest Emergency Department.
Further information on what health services are available can be found here.