Hundreds of junior doctors across Medway are on a 48-hour strike from 8am today in the wake of the government’s decision to force new working pay and conditions.

Their union, the British Medical Association is now seeking a judicial review over how the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has dealt with the bitter dispute.

Mr Hunt has announced he is to go with the newly-revised contract aimed at providing a seven day a week service after months of talks have failed to reach a solution.

The medics will provide emergency care only today and tomorrow at Medway Maritime Hospital.

Further 48-hour industrial action is planned from 8am on Friday, April 8 and Tuesday, April 26.The junior doctors will provide emergency care only on these dates.

The walkouts have led to the cancellation of thousands of non-urgent operations and out-patient appointments.

They have argued that the new contracts would compromise patient safety.