Doctors’ appointment with picket line

WALKOUT . . . (rear, from left) Geoff Brown (Manchester Trades Council), Jane Stratton (junior doctor), and Alistair Stewart (consultant psychiatrist). Front: Gail Bradshaw (Oldham Trades Council) and Rory Hicks (junior doctor)

OLDHAM’S junior doctors staged their latest 48-hour strike at 8am today in protest against a new work contract set to be imposed by the Government.

Doctors at the Royal Oldham Hospital joined others across the country in providing only emergency care until 8am on Friday.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced he would impose the contract on everyone up to consultant level after months of talks failed to reach a resolution.

Two further 48-hour strikes have been planned for April 8 and 26.

Patients attending the Royal Oldham are being advised to attend appointments as planned unless contacted directly.

Emergency care, including A&E and emergency surgery, will run as normal during the strike.