BOSSES at hospitals in the Bradford district have warned that demand is currently "exceptionally high" amid the latest junior doctors' strike.

In what is the longest walkout in NHS history, junior doctors in England are staging six days of industrial action in an ongoing dispute over pay.

Both Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Airedale NHS Foundation Trust have told the Telegraph & Argus that the sickest patients are being prioritised - and those whose conditions could be managed via their GP or pharmacist may not be treated.

A joint statement issued by the two trusts said: "Our hospitals are very busy, but emergency and essential services continue to run during this strike period.

"However, both Airedale Hospital and Bradford Royal Infirmary's A&E departments are still seeing high attendance levels, and people will experience much longer waits than usual if their condition is not life-threatening.

"It may not be possible to provide treatment if their condition could be managed via their GP or pharmacist.

"This is not where either trust would like to be, but levels of demand are exceptionally high, and the sickest patients must be prioritised.

"It's very important that people in life-threatening emergencies continue to come forward for the care they need – using 999 or A&E.

"For other cases, if people need medical help or advice, or are unsure whether they should go to hospital, they should go to NHS 111 online or call 111. Local pharmacies can also give advice on a range of different illnesses. General health advice can also be accessed by visiting www.nhs.uk 

"We would ask everyone to treat all staff with respect during this busy time."

The strike started at 7am yesterday and will end at 7am next Tuesday.

Rishi Sunak comments on strikes

Speaking earlier today, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak told reporters: "These strikes are disrupting people's lives.

"They are causing an enormous amount of concern to people."

But the British Medical Association said junior doctors' pay has been cut by more than a quarter since 2008.

Last summer, the Government gave junior doctors in England an average rise of 8.8 per cent - but medics said the increase was not enough and ramped up strike efforts.

Late last year, the Government and junior doctors entered talks - but after five weeks, the negotiations broke down and more strikes were called.

NHS officials have warned that the impact of the action could be felt for weeks or months as services try to catch up.