Junior doctors' strike continues for second day
Thousands of junior doctors across England are taking part in a second day of strike action over a row with the Government about a new contract.
At least 5,000 operations and procedures across England have been cancelled because of the industrial action but emergency care will be provided.
Hundreds of routine clinics and appointments are likely to be affected.
On Wednesday, NHS England said that 44% of junior doctors - out of a possible 26,000 working on a typical day - reported for duty on the day shift.But it confirmed that the figure included doctors who had never intended to strike, such as those working in emergency care.
Junior doctors are unhappy about government plans to impose a new contract in August, which includes changes to pay for working weekends.
Two further 48-hour strikes are also planned on April 8 and April 26.
A Department of Health spokesman said: "Patients have so far seen more than 19,000 operations cancelled as a result of the BMA's irresponsible and unjustified industrial action.
"The new contract, 90% of which was agreed with the BMA and endorsed by senior NHS leaders, is a very good deal for doctors and the NHS."