JUNIOR doctors in Basingstoke said they had no option but to carry out 24-hour strike action today.

The national strike comes after communication between the British Medical Association (BMA) and Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt MP, surrounding safer work conditions and better pay broke down.

More than 60 junior doctors gathered outside Basingstoke hospital, in Aldermaston Road, as the planned walkout began at 8am this morning.

Many cars passing by beeped their horns in support, as the junior doctors waved placards, with slogans such as ‘Save Our NHS’ and ‘Tired Doctors Make Mistakes’

Rebecca Hardcastle, a specialist registrar in women’s health, said none of the doctors wanted to take part in the strike, but they were left with little option.

She said: “We all hope that the strike means that these issues get resolved, as the main thing we care about is our patients’ safety.

“I think I speak for all of us by saying we would much rather be working, looking after our patients, as this is also having an effect on our education.”

Rebecca added: “We are following the BMA’s lead so if we need to strike again then it is what it is.

“Thankfully all our fellow consultants have been very supportive of our actions.”

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Councillor for Brookvale and Kings Furlong, Jack Cousens joined his fellow Labour councillors on the picket line to show his support for the junior doctors.

He said: “The term ‘junior doctor’ is misleading. Most are in their late 20s and 30s, they are fully-qualified professionals and the backbone of the NHS.

“Strikes are a last resort but the doctors feel they have had little option to do so.

“We hope this action causes the Government to rethink their actions, treat junior doctors fairly and negotiate a safe a fair deal.”

If no progress has been made with negotiations after today’s strike, the BMA is planning on carrying out further action with a 48-hour, emergency-care-only strike on January 26, followed by a full withdrawal of labour planned for February 10.