JUNIOR doctors have staged a second strike at Warrington Hospital today.

Doctors at the Lovely Lane hospital have staged a walk out for the second time this year over a dispute about their new contract

Josh Nadimi was one of the juniors on the picket lane, and he claimed the strike action was a last resort.

The foundation year one doctor said: "It's not ideal to be striking like this but hopefully we will force the government to listen.

"It's not our intention to not be there for our patients but at the end of the day we're a big part of the NHS and we need safer working contracts to ensure patient safety and to ensure patients get the utmost of what we can give them.

"We'd much rather come to work and come to an agreement that everyone is happy with and have contracts that are safer and faiere for everybody."

Richard Chapman, secretary of the Warrington Trade Union Council, said public opinion was behind the doctors.

He added: "The government seem to be sticking to their guns but this will show the public support for the doctors.

"They keep talking about a seven day health service - these people have always provided a seven day service but the government just want to make it cheaper.

"We've had a lot of support for the public today - the doctors have got to show opposition to what the government is trying to enforce on them.

"We're supporting the NHS and oppose any attacks on it from the government."

Hospital chiefs promised an 'absolute minimum' of disruption during the strike.

A small number of outpatient appointments have been cancelled but no procedures have been postponed as a result of the strikes.

A spokesperson from the hospital said: “Arrangements are in place to keep disruption to patients to an absolute minimum during the junior doctor’s strike planned for Wednesday February 10.

“During this time junior doctors will be providing bank holiday cover only and we are grateful to consultants and other healthcare professionals who will be working differently to deliver patient care during the strike.

“No elective procedures have been cancelled but a small number of outpatient appointments have been cancelled but all of these patients have been contact directly.

“Patients are advised that unless they have heard from us they should present as normal for their appointment or procedure.

“Emergency care remains unaffected, however patients and members of the public are advised not to use A&E unless it is an absolute emergency.”

Cllr Kevin Bennett joined the junior doctors on the picket line.

The Trade Union and Socialist Coalition councillor said:"The government is determined to ram through changes to junior doctor contracts leading them to work excessive hours and have their pay slashed.

"97 per cent of junior doctors for strike action, showing the huge anger and resentment over these unfair and unsafe contracts.

"The burden of defending the NHS and defeating the government's privitisation and austerity agenda can't be left to one group of works to fight alone - workers in other trade unions should coordinate action in solidarity with the junior doctors."