THE NHS Trust covering Herefordshire has said "robust plans" are in place to protect patients during today's junior doctor strike.

The 24-hour walkout began at 8am with 46 day case procedures and seven inpatient procedures affected.

Wye Valley NHS Trust says it is 'business as usual' in many departments though. 

Dr Susan Gilby, the Trust's Medical Director, said: "Health and care organisations in Herefordshire have worked together to ensure there are robust plans that protect the safety, welfare and service provided to patients, during today’s planned junior doctor’s industrial action.

“The dispute is in relation to the Government’s response to pay and terms and conditions for junior doctors. It is not a dispute with NHS Trusts as an employer.

“Hospital managers have worked with their senior clinical leaders to develop and refine plans to ensure all inpatients, including those in the delivery/maternity ward, as well as urgent admissions and patients in the emergency department, are looked after safely and appropriately during any industrial action.

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

"However, due to increased pressures on the NHS over this period, those in less urgent need of care may experience longer waiting times and therefore we urge people to use alternatives such as dialling 111 first. In all cases, priority will be given to those patients with the most pressing health needs."

She said it will be a case of ‘business as usual’ in many departments, although seven inpatient and 46 day case procedures have been postponed.

“We know how important our services are to many people and we apologise for the services that will be affected due to the industrial action," she said.

"We hope people understand that, although this action is not due to our making, we are doing all we can to ensure that those who need urgent or emergency care will get it.

“We have contacted patients whose procedures have been postponed."

Dr Andy Watts, chairman of the Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said GP practices will be open so patients with a GP appointment should attend as normal.