Junior doctors across south east London and Kent are on strike today (April 6) in a bitter dispute with the government over a new contract.
More than 5,100 procedures and operations across England have been postponed as a result of the 48-hour walkout, which began at 8am.
Locally doctors are taking to the picket line at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich, Princess Royal University Hospital in Orpington, and Queen Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup.
This is the fourth stoppage in the dispute, with almost 25,000 procedures nationally cancelled overall since industrial action began, and doctors will only provide emergency care during the strike.
The first full walkout in the history of the NHS by junior doctors is planned for later this month, when doctors will withdraw all labour and provide no emergency cover.
Dr Anne Rainsberry, national incident director for NHS England, said: "We've already seen that a 48-hour strike puts considerably more pressure on the NHS and it's deeply regrettable that thousands of patients are still facing disruption because of this recurring action.
"As always, the safety and care of patients is our number one priority and everything possible is being done to make sure patients will still be able to access urgent and emergency services.
"We will be closely monitoring events to make sure we can respond to any rising pressures."
Junior doctors are objecting to a new contract which the government says will create a truly seven-day service.
The major sticking point has been over weekend pay and whether Saturdays should attract extra "unsocial" payments.
Currently, night and weekend shifts are paid at a premium rate.
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"We want a contract that is fair for all junior doctors.
Dr Johann Malawana, chairman of the BMA's junior doctor committee, said: "We deeply regret any disruption this action will cause to patients, but it is because we believe this contract would be bad for the delivery of patient care in the long term that we are taking this action.
"Responsibility for industrial action now lies entirely with the government. They must start listening and resume negotiations on a properly funded junior doctor's contract to protect the future of patient care and the NHS."
The BMA is launching a judicial review challenging the lawfulness of the imposition of the contract.
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt is also facing a second legal challenge from NHS staff campaign group Just Health.
A Department of Health spokeswoman added: "This strike is irresponsible and disproportionate - and it is patients who are suffering.
"If the BMA had agreed to negotiate on Saturday pay, as they promised to do through Acas in November, we'd have a negotiated agreement by now."
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