Junior doctors in England strike first time in 40 years

Hospitals in England are facing major disruptions as junior doctors have gone on strike in a dispute with the government over a new contract.

The doctors are providing emergency cover only during the 24-hour walkout.

The NHS has so far postponed four thousand routine treatments, while appointments and tests are also being hit. 

NHS chiefs said plans are in place to protect patients, despite Prime Minister  David Cameron's warning that they could be put at risk. 

In a last-minute plea for junior doctors to call off the action, the Prime Minister said the walkout would cause real difficulties for patients.

BBC