JUNIOR doctors once again took to the picket line as they went on strike in their ongoing row over changes to their contracts.

Around 30 to 40 doctors from Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton joined colleagues across the county and nation in the walk out as they sought to challenge the Government’s plans for contract changes.

Non-emergency operations and appointments were cancelled at Musgrove because of the 24 hour strike, which started at 8am yesterday (weds).

The junior doctors decided to strike again after talks between the British Medical Association and health secretary Jeremy Hunt broke down.

Under the plans, the Government wants to introduce new contracts for junior doctors in what it say will help secure a 24/7 NHS.

However, the doctors argue that the proposed changes to the contracts will mean pay cuts of up to 15 per cent, especially when working evenings or weekends and working longer hours which they claim would not be safe for them or their patients.

Alex Jones, a junior doctor in the Intensive Care and Anaesthetics department at Musgrove, was one of those striking.

He said: “This is a contract that has been forced on us, we have not asked for it.

“There has been some movement from our side but there are still a number of elements for junior doctors that are just completely unacceptable and that’s why we are striking.

“We have been on strike before, but we feel we need to show our strength of feeling at this contract, the Government aren’t listening and we feel this is the only way they will.”

Nationally, around 3,000 operations were cancelled due to the strike.

It was originally planned that doctors would hold a complete walk out, but they scaled back their industrial action meaning that they would still provide emergency care.

Dr Jones continued: “There has been some progress on certain points, but only from our side not the Government’s.

“Doctors work unsociable hours, we don’t mind that, we know we have to do it, but what we want is that to be recognised in the contract and in the pay.

“That’s the main sticking point, but there are also some issues about safeguards and making sure that there are robust safeguards for junior doctors to ensure the doctors and patients are in a safe environment."

Dr Colin Close, medical director at Musgrove Park Hospital, said: “Nursing and medical colleagues worked hard to put robust plans in place to ensure the hospital remained completely safe during the strike period.

“Unfortunately, this means we had to postpone some planned surgery and appointments to ensure that we are able to continue to deliver high quality care to those people who need us in an emergency.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this causes, however, patient safety is always our utmost priority.”

Trade union Unison has also backed the stike action.

Joanne Kaye, UNISON regional secretary said: "In Heart Unions week, what better way for us to show we stand shoulder to shoulder with junior doctors and their union in a fight which was picked by the Government and could be ended by them in minutes. 

"All junior doctors want is the right to retain a contract which recognises weekend working as a premium time and which rewards those who sacrifice time with their family and friends, a privilege many of us take for granted.

"The public can see that in a stand-off between Jeremy Hunt and junior doctors about what is best for the NHS, we can trust the view of the medics every single time. 

"We also know that if they come for the weekend pay of the doctors, the next targets on the list will be nursing staff, administrative staff, cleaners and porters and the NHS will be deserted at weekends as staff choose to spend time with their families when pay rates are the same throughout the week.  

"Our show of unity is not just about this dispute.  

"This week and every week, public service workers need to stand together and work together against a divisive and divided government, intent on attacking public services and the trade unions who stand up for those who work in them. 

"More and more we see a stark gap between ministers who mock the qualities of compassion and conviction and we must be more determined than ever to show courage in defending those values.

"The simple act of visiting picket lines and wishing our NHS colleagues well is a key part of that and we are extremely proud to lend whatever support we can."