'You may need to make your own way to hospital during the ambulance strike’.

That’s the message from University Hospitals Dorset today.

Industrial action is taking place today and again on December 28.

In a post on social media this morning, the hospitals trust said: “You may need to make your own way to our hospitals during the ambulance industrial action.

“If you need maternity services, please go to Poole Hospital.

“For anyone with stroke or heart attack symptoms, please go to Royal Bournemouth.

“For all other emergency patients, please attend your nearest emergency department.”

A statement on the strike posted on the UHD website says: “Our local ambulance service SWAST is taking part in industrial action on Wednesday 21 and Wednesday 28 December.

“There will be a limited service and crews will only be attending to the sickest patients as there will be fewer ambulances in operation.”

Read more: How ambulance strikes will affect Dorset

People who need non-urgent care are advised to seek advice from NHS 111 online first.

The statement continued: “The NHS is already facing record demand on urgent and emergency care services – October and November were the business on record for emergency department attendance and the most serious ambulance callouts.

Read more: 'We're extremely busy': A&E departments seeing more children over Strep A concerns

“The NHS is therefore also asking the public to play their part by taking simple steps during industrial action to look after themselves, loved ones and checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.

"People can help by taking sensible measures to keep themselves and others safe.”

Read more: New link road plans from A338 to Royal Bournemouth Hospital

Prior to the strike, the NHS urged to “drink responsibly” to avoid ending up in A&E as ambulance workers prepare to strike.

A Government minister also urged people to stay safe and to avoid “risky activity”.