Junior doctors return to picket line

WALKOUT . . . Dr Rory Hicks and supporters outside the Royal Oldham Hospital

JUNIOR doctors resumed strike action outside the Royal Oldham Hospital at 8am today following disputes over changes to their contract.

Local doctors joined hundreds across the country all taking part in the 24-hour walkout, which will see junior doctors provide emergency care-only until 8am tomorrow.

Patients have been told to go to hospital as planned, unless they have already been advised not to do so.

Doctors are also asking the public to think carefully before going to A&E as services are already stretched due to winter pressures.

Dr Anton Sinniah, acting medical director at The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Patient safety and the welfare of our patients is the trust’s top priority. Our A&E departments and urgent care services will operate as usual, but we are asking the public to think carefully before automatically going to A&E.”