A major incident has been declared across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight's health sectors.
It follows a 'significant' water leak at Portsmouth's Queen Alexandra Hospital earlier today (Friday).
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Clinal Commissioning Group (CCG) says rising COVID-19 infections across the region are causing 'significant demand' for services.
The situation is 'improving', the CCG says, but Islanders are urged to only seek medical attention where absolutely necessary.
Following a significant water leak at Queen Alexandra Hospital earlier today, the NHS across the Hampshire and Isle of Wight health system remains extremely busy and a major incident remains in place across the area.
— NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight (@HIOW_ICS) January 7, 2022
Acute teams, including the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, have been praised for their quick response.
A spokesperson for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Clinal CCG said:
"Partners across Hampshire and Isle of Wight responded rapidly, working closely together to support the response and ensure as little disruption as possible to patient care with urgent operations and appointments going ahead.
"Thanks to the incredible efforts of the team in Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, our other acute hospital teams and ambulance service colleagues, primary care, community services and our other partners the situation has improved.
"Our health and care teams continue to work tirelessly to provide safe, high quality care and manage the impact of rising COVID-19 infections, however, NHS services across Hampshire and Isle of Wight continue to face significant demand."
Further information can be found here.