THE public are being warned against calling an ambulance unless “absolutely essential” as junior doctors stage their first ever all-out strike today and tomorrow.

Stretched paramedics are urging people to “carefully consider the right treatment for their illness or injury” before dialling 999 over the next two days.

Thousands of junior doctors were due to launch a 48-hour strike from 8am today, withdrawing emergency cover for the first time in NHS history over their controversial new employment contract.

Clinics and operations were expected to be cancelled at the Royal Hampshire County and Southampton General hospitals, but union reps from the British Medical Association (BMA) said replacement emergency cover was safe.

Dr Anastasia Theodosiou, Southampton junior doctor and co-chair of the BMA’s Wessex junior doctors committee, said: “I would happily send my family members in over the next two days because I’m sure it will be safe.”

Consultants and other staff will step in to fill A&E and urgent services such as maternity, but patients are being asked to help ease the pressure.

A South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) spokesman said: “SCAS recognises the right of junior doctors to take action, however the trust needs to maintain its essential service to the public and, in light of the industrial action, is working closely with all its partners, staff and the public to help reduce demand on its service during this time.

“We would like to remind the public to use our services appropriately and only call 999 if absolutely essential.”

Anyone feeling unwell can call their GP or the 111 hotline, visit a local pharmacy or walk-in centre or use NHS choices online to check symptoms.

More than 500 doctors from across the region were expected to rally at Southampton’s Guildhall Square from 11.30am, with picket lines outside Southampton General and the RHCH.

The BMA is considering further escalation, including a permanent strike and mass resignations, if the government does not re-enter talks.

Asked whether Southampton doctors would back the measures, Dr Theodosiou said: “We couldn’t have even imagined getting to this point with this strike, so it’s difficult to comment right now about whether myself or my colleagues would support an indefinite walkout.

"The fact it’s on the table shows the strength of feeling about this issue and how committed people are to achieving a safer, fairer contract.”

Southampton General Hospital does not publish operation cancellation figures ahead of strikes.

Hampshire Hospitals, which runs Winchester, Basingstoke and Andover hospitals, said it had cancelled about 10 per cent of appointments over the two days but all patients had been offered alternatives.