JUNIOR doctors at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch joined the picket line today following a bitter dispute over new contracts. 

Thousands of doctors from across the country walked out over the dispute between the government and the British Medical Association (BMA). 

Hundreds of routine procedures have been cancelled, but emergency cover is still being provided.

The major sticking point in the dispute is about the reclassification of Saturday shifts and reductions of extra payments for anti-social hours. 

The government argues the cuts to anti-social pay will be offset by higher basic salaries and doctors will also see a reduction in the number of hours they work. 

The BMA rejects the government’s position and says pay and conditions under the new deal would drive many of its members out of the NHS, which would result in dangerously low staffing levels. 

The strike action began at 8am today (Wednesday) and will last for 24 hours, patients who have been affected will be contacted to have new appointments arranged. 

At least 130 junior doctors from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust, which runs Redditch's Alexandra Hospital, are on strike today.

The trust has cancelled two inpatient operations, one day case and 17 outpatient appointments- but these figures could increase.

Dr Andy Phillips, interim chief medical officer at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "We would like to reassure you that we expect to provide as full a service as we possibly can during this period. 
"We have tried and tested plans to deal with a range of disruptions including industrial action." 

Speaking on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the BMA, said: "The BMA does regret the disruption to patients that will be caused by tomorrow's industrial action, but the government has left junior doctors in Worcester and throughout the rest of the country with no choice." 

The major sticking point is the issue of weekend pay and whether Saturdays should be classed as normal "plain" time or should attract a premium. 

The spokesperson continued: "Ministers are putting politics first and insisting on plans that could undermine the delivery of patient care in the long term. 

"Its current proposals will affect junior doctors, including those in Worcestershire, who already work the most unsocial hours, and hit those parts of the NHS that already have the greatest problems in attracting and keeping doctors - A&E for example. 

"Our door remains open: we want to reach a negotiated agreement, but the Government must be reasonable and work with the BMA to reach a fair resolution to this dispute." 

As well as calling the emergency number 999, residents who are feeling unwell can contact NHS 111, contact their GP or pharmacist.