JUNIOR doctors across Worcestershire will go on a 24-hour strike from 8am this morning in a dispute over proposed changes to their pay.

During the industrial action, which will finish at 8am on Thursday, junior doctors from the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust will provide emergency care only.

On Monday patients were contacted if their appointment was to be cancelled due to strike action organised by the British Medical Association (BMA).

However, at the time of going to press, the Acute Hospitals Trust had not confirmed how many operations or outpatient appointments had been cancelled as a result of today's walk out.

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.

"We are working with the NHS to ensure there are robust plans that protect the safety, welfare and service provided to patients.

"Plans are in place across the country to deliver emergency care but in some places the NHS service may be under specific pressure."

However, he continued to warn residents that due to increased pressure waiting times could be longer for patients with a "less urgent need of care".

He said: "In all cases priority will be given to those patients with the most pressing health needs. We thank for your continued support and commitment during this period."

Speaking on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the British Medical Association (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.