JUNIOR doctors from Morecambe Bay's three hospitals joined their colleagues around the country in a 48-hour strike action.

Protestors gathered outside the Royal Lancaster Infirmary on Tuesday and today in a challenge to a new contract set to be imposed on them by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt in August.

While the contract would see their basic pay rise by 13 per cent, changes are being introduced to weekend and 'unsociable hours' pay as the Government seeks a full seven-day service.

Negotiations between Government and the British Medical Association, which represents junior doctors and medical students have broken down, with Mr Hunt appearing unwilling to return to the table.

This week's two-day strike was the first time in NHS history junior doctors had initiated a full walk out in all services, including emergency care.

Across the Morecambe Bay Trust hospitals, 406 operations and 345 appointments have been cancelled during the latest action.

Among those at the picket line was BMA representative for junior doctors at RLI, Lenny Ivatt, a trainee anaesthetist who has been a junior doctor for six years.

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"I think as everyone can see this is a last-ditch attempt to get the Government to listen," said Ms Ivatt, 32.

"We don't think the contract is fair. If you take the service that is already pushed working five days a week and make it work seven days, I don't see how that works.

"It's difficult to see where we go if this doesn't work. This is the most extreme action junior doctors have ever taken. I would love to see us re-enter negotiations.

Philip Dutton, a junior doctor studying obstetrics and gynaecology, added all the striking junior doctors want is a fair deal.

"We want to work out a contract that's fair for us and fair for patients," he said. "We will continue to attempt negotiations with Government – we are happy to talk, we just need them to reciprocate."

Foluke Ajayi, Chief Operating Officer at the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, said that despite the disruption, steps had been taken to ensure patient safety during the strike.

She said: “Over the last few months, the ongoing industrial action has required the Trust to put in place its contingency plans to deal with service disruptions – these are robust plans that protect the safety, welfare and service provided to patients. This is always our top priority."