The Health Secretary has urged the public to be "mindful" and to "exercise their common sense" as thousands of ambulance workers and paramedics go on strike today (Wednesday, December 21).

Strikes are taking place in a dispute over pay and conditions, with Steve Barclay saying he would not move on the issue.

Speaking on Sky News about the topic he gave a message to people to be mindful of their activities today to avoid putting pressure on the NHS.

The Northern Echo: Ambulance workers on the picket line in CoventryAmbulance workers on the picket line in Coventry (Image: PA)

He said: “We’re saying to the public to exercise their common sense in terms of what activities they do, being mindful of those pressures that are on the system.”

It comes as the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) said A&E departments are expecting some patients to turn up to hospital via cars rather than ambulances, and the medical director of NHS England urged people not to get “blind drunk”.

READ MORE: Ambulance services will be ‘incredibly stretched’ during strike, says NHS chief

Meanwhile, Professor Sir Stephen Powis also said ambulance strikes will create a “very difficult day” for the health service, but that heart attacks and strokes would be covered.

He told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Today is obviously going to be a very difficult day with the health service.

“But we’ve been working very closely with the unions to ensure that emergency services for life-threatening conditions are maintained, and that will include stroke and heart attacks.

“There are increased clinicians in call centres to ensure that the right response goes out to the right incident.”

He advised people to dial 999 “as usual” if they have a life-threatening condition.