Junior doctors' strike updates

BBC political editorLaura Kuenssberg said the government was determined to stick to the plans for the NHS set out in its manifesto and there was a sense ministers believed they would get their way in the end.

"It is worth noting that the government does have the power to impose these new terms and agreement even if doctors continue resisting. They could just start changing contracts maybe as early as next month. 

"They are not in a mood to back down. They say the door is open to doctors' leaders but they are determined to get maybe not all, but most, of their way."

Quote Message: In the words of one source today - we all know that they [the doctors] are going to lose

In the words of one source today - we all know that they [the doctors] are going to lose

BBCCopyright: BBC

The BMA said there were more than 150 picket lines and "meet the doctor" events across England

The row between junior doctors and the government is a complicated and long-running affair. The BBC's health correspondent Nick Triggle has dissected the dispute in this explainer - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-34775980

PACopyright: PA

You'd expect nothing less from Dr Watson...

BBCCopyright: BBC

All the signs are that both sides in this dispute appear to be digging in. We've had months of negotiations, weeks at ACAS, and they're not even on the same page. The government insists that something like 75% of junior doctors will be better off as a result of these changes. The British Medical Association say that's simply not true - most will be worse off, some will lose up to 30% of their earnings. The government insists it's about introducing a 24-hour NHS, the BMA says it has no impact whatsoever on introducing that. You just sense neither side is preparing to back down. You have the feeling this dispute could go down right to the wire and, potentially, even to that 48-hour all-out strike next month.

Quote Message: The Patients Association knows that junior doctors have not made the decision to take industrial action lightly. Staff morale is low throughout the NHS and many doctors are feeling burnt out. Whilst action could not be averted today, the Patients Association urge both sides to continue discussions in order to avoid further disruption from additional strike action in the coming weeks." from Katherine Murphy, chief executive of the Patients Association

The Patients Association knows that junior doctors have not made the decision to take industrial action lightly. Staff morale is low throughout the NHS and many doctors are feeling burnt out. Whilst action could not be averted today, the Patients Association urge both sides to continue discussions in order to avoid further disruption from additional strike action in the coming weeks."

A director at the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust says most of its outpatients were dealt with today, despite the strike action. 

Junior doctors at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital feature in this BBC video about why they are striking. Also, a consultant describes life on the wards without the help of junior doctors.  

In Northern Ireland, junior doctors have called on Stormont's health minister Simon Hamilton to say a new contract that led to today's strike in England will not be imposed locally.  

Chief executive Toby Lewis says in a statement that Sandwell Hospital had today managed the increased numbers of patients admitted to the hospital in recent days. 

"The number we have been able to safely discharge has increased so that services are safe for tonight and tomorrow. 

"We have agreed with the LNC chair to stand down the request to some trainee doctors at Sandwell Hospital to come in and provide additional assistance. We will keep this situation under review."

He also thanks those people who did come in to work on the Sandwell wards today. 

"There has never been any doubt here that in circumstances of difficulty individuals would prioritise patients.”

This image posted on Twitter appears to show a doctor in Gaza showing his support for the UK's junior doctors' strike.

Dorset County Hospital has confirmed it will reschedule 20 outpatient appointments and five day surgery operations as a result of the strike. 

There's about 100 junior doctors on the staff.

About 180 junior doctors at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford joined the England-wide 24-hour strike in a row with the government over a new contract. British Medical Association members wore blue scrubs and operating theatre hats as they walked out to form a picket this morning.

Earlier we showed a picture of the picketing puppy - here is a picture of Arthur, who has come out to join the strikes at Whipps Cross, London.

David Mowat, the Conservative MP for Warrington South, has a son who works as a junior doctor.

He said his family “was split” and held “regular debate” about pay and conditions within the NHS.

And his son “feels things weren’t as good as they should be” for young doctors, he added.

“If there’s one group of people in this country that we rely on and need, it’s the young doctors who are at the heart of the NHS,” Mr Mowatt said.

“We need to find a way through this that works for everybody.”

Mr Mowatt added that perhaps the government could look at how other countries operate similar health care systems.

“Doctors are under an awful lot of pressure. Maybe some countries, like Australia, have a system that treats them better.”