A FURTHER 48-hour strike by junior doctors, with emergency cover provided, started at 8am on Wednesday.

A Royal Surrey County Hospital spokesman said: “Robust contingency plans will see 2,205 outpatients appointments go ahead during the 48-hour period of industrial action.In total, 190 outpatients appointments and 54 surgical procedures have been postponed.

“Those patients who have been affected will have their appointments/operations rescheduled as soon as possible.

“Planning is now also under way in the event that a full walkout should occur later this month, as announced by the BMA.

“Once the latest round of industrial action has concluded, we expect the hospital to remain busy and we would ask people to continue to choose wisely and keep A&E for those who really need it. We would like to remind people that they can receive non-emergency help from their GP, pharmacist, NHS 111, and local walk-in-centre.”