STRIKING junior doctors have formed a picket line at Worcestershire Royal Hospital as part of 24 hour walkout over the Government's proposed changes to their working hours and pay.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust has put into operation an emergency care only model at the hospital - similar to a Christmas Day service - as 43 junior doctors across Worcestershire Royal Hospital, as well as the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch and Kidderminster Hospital, take part in the national walk-out.

The doctors have been picketing outside the hospital this morning, holding placards and handing out leaflets to members of the public.

The strike comes amid a row between the British Medical Association (BMA) and the government over plans for a new contract, which Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said will create more seven-day services for patients.

Ministers offered doctors an 11 per cent rise in basic pay to try and introduce a 24/7 service - but medics claim resources will be stretched to breaking point by having the same staff working longer hours, with the BMA arguing the dispute is about patient safety, not pay.

There is a potential for two more strikes in coming weeks if the BMA fail to reach an agreement with the Government - a 48 hour strike on January 26, and a full withdrawal of labour on February.

The trust say today's strike has led to the cancellation of 68 outpatient appointments and 13 elective surgical cases at the county's three hospital sites.

Speaking on the picket line, Priyanka Palimar, a junior doctor and one of the BMA's representatives in the county, said there had been a lot of support for the strike from members of the public.

"Everybody has been really supportive," the Worcestershire Health and Care Trust worker said.

"We didn't want to take this action - it has come to the stage where we had to. It's the last resort.

"We made sure everybody knew this was coming so contingency plans were put in place.

"We hope we don't have to be out again for the 48 hour strike."

Ministers, including Prime Minister David Cameron, have been expressing disappointment over the strike action.

The Health Secretary said: "Our absolute priority is making sure the NHS delivers high-quality care, seven days a week.

“We know that is what doctors want too, so it is extremely disappointing that the BMA has chosen to take industrial action which helps no one.”

This is the first strike by junior doctors over pay and conditions since 1975.