JUNIOR doctors man the picket line at Whiston Hospital in the first in a series of strikes which will hit some services people are warned.

However, patients are advised to attend appointments unless they receive notice of a cancellation.

Up to 38,000 junior doctors will stage a 24-hour strike on Tuesday in their dispute over new contracts which would allow hospitals to rota more weekend staff.

The doctors’ union, the British Medical Association, argues that the proposed changes amount to a pay cut for some staff and would result in doctors working dangerously long shifts.

The Government denies this and claims that the contracts are the only way to increase NHS services across seven days a week and reduce death rates at the weekend.

A second 24-hour strike is planned for Tuesday, January 26.

The first ever strike in which junior doctors will stop providing all care – including emergency procedures – is due to take place on February 10.

Patients are advised that if they have not heard from the hospital, they should attend their appointments.

Professor Kevin Hardy, executive medical director at St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Some of the planned services our hospitals provide will be affected and we are contacting the patients concerned.

“Put simply, our message to patients with appointments is if you haven’t heard from us, we still want to see you on Tuesday.

 “Patients in need of emergency hospital care will continue to receive the treatment they need, when they need it. 

“In all cases priority will be given to those patients with the most pressing health needs.”