UPDATED 4.20PM: Both Tauranga and Whakatāne Hospitals are coping with the junior doctors' strike and there are 'no concerns” at the moment.

Bay of Plenty District Health Board Medical Director Dr Hugh Lees says both hospitals experienced lower than normal Emergency Department presentations today.

While Tauranga did have a couple of surges in presentations throughout the day it was 'nothing we're not used to handling," says Lee.

'The response of our communities has been extremely good in both Tauranga and Whakatane and we would like to thank them for their understanding.

Lee is again reminding people that EDs are for emergencies and they should visit their GP or an afterhours clinics for all non-urgent care.

'If [people] are wanting medical advice there is HealthLine 0800 611 116 available and in an emergency call 111. If people need after hours medical care, they can also call their GP 24/7.

'When your GP clinic is closed a registered nurse will answer your call and give you the free professional advice you need.”

Lee says if patients are unsure about a surgery or Outpatient Department appointment booked on October 18-19 at either Tauranga or Whakatāne Hospital, they should call 0800 333 477 between 8am and 4.30pm, to check their details.

EARLIER:

‘So far so good' – that's the message coming out of the Bay of Plenty District Health Board in regards to the junior doctors' strike which is currently underway.

About 145 Bay of Plenty doctors have withdrawn their services as part of the 48 hour strike which started at 7am today and will run through until 7am on Thursday, October 20.

'The contingency planning has gone well and everything is running smoothly so far,” says BOPDHB Medical Director Dr Hugh Lees.

Bay doctors are among more than 3000 junior doctors who are members of the New Zealand Resident Doctors Association.

All of the country's 20 district health boards are affected by the strike, which has come about after negotiations with DHBs held recently over junior doctors' working conditions proved unsuccessful.