JUNIOR doctors have withdrawn services from A&E for the first time in their ongoing dispute over pay and working hours.

British Medical Association members are walking out from 8am until 5pm today and tomorrow.

At Basildon Hospital, where there are 236 junior doctors, bosses have put plans in place to cope with the absences.

Dr Celia Skinner, the hospital’s medical director, said: “The message has not changed about when people should use our A&E department – whatever day of the year it is for serious and life-threatening injuries or conditions only.

“But we know that some patients use A&E inappropriately when they would be much better served by visiting or calling their GP, pharmacist or minor injuries unit like the one at Orsett Hospital.

“The strike on April 26 and 27 is different to any of the previous days of action in that junior doctors will not be fulfilling their emergency care duties.

“Our attention will have to be focussed on the patients who are the sickest and most at risk.”

Southend Hospital has warned patients to expect “some disruption” to services during the strike.

Neil Rothnie, medical director, said, "We have detailed plans in place to manage the impact of the planned action on our services over the two days. I would like to reassure our local communities that the safety of our patients is always our priority.

"This is the first time that a full walkout has taken place, meaning that there will be a potential impact on emergency services at the hospital during the strike that we have not experienced on previous occasions.”

Jon Findlay, chief operating officer, added, "Inevitably we will have to postpone some clinic sessions and operations. We are sorry for this unavoidable inconvenience and will contact patients affected by these cancellations directly so if you do not hear from us, please assume that your appointment remains unchanged."

For more information about additional services available locally, patients can visit nhs.uk/strike