Junior doctors are set to walk out this morning in the first of four days of strike action.
The dispute centres on a new contract that doctors argue would leave them overworked and underpaid.
Today’s strike is set to begin at 8am and will see junior doctors at Newham University Hospital join other British Medical Association members across the country in 24 hours of industrial action.
During that time, only urgent and emergency care will be provided, with some appointments and procedures cancelled.
A spokesman for Barts Health NHS Trust explained that “services will be similar to Christmas Day.”
Two picket lines are set to be created at the hospital, one outside the main entrance and another outside the accident and emergency department – which will remain open throughout the strike.
The action has been backed by East Ham MP Stephen Timms, who has tweeted his support for the junior doctors.
A 48 hour strike with emergency cover only is set to take place on Tuesday, January 26, with a full withdrawal of labour on Wednesday, February 10.
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