Junior doctors' strike: How the West was hit

A one day strike by junior doctors has caused disruption in hospitals across our region - with more than 500 operations and outpatient appointments cancelled in Devon & Cornwall.

It comes as one of our major hospitals - the Royal Cornwall in Truro - remains on Black Alert - after being overwhelmed by patients needing emergency treatment.

The strike came to an end at 8am today (13 January). It's the first in a series of walk-outs after talks with the government over a new contract broke down.

They say their striking against the imposed changes in pay for unsocial hours, claiming it devalues the work doctors do on evenings and weekends.

98% of BMA junior doctors voted for the strike action as a 'last resort'.

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has described the strikes as unnecessary and has urged the BMA back to the negotiating table.

Junior doctors say they're striking against the imposed changes in pay for unsocial hours, claiming it devalues the work doctors do on evenings and weekends.

If the stalemate continues, another day of action for emergency care is planned for 28th January.