Hospitals in south west Hertfordshire face major disruption today as junior doctors take to the picket lines for their first ever all-out strike.

Thousands of out-patient appointments and hundreds of operations have been cancelled after medics said they were forced to take action in their acrimonious dispute with the Government over new contracts.

Hospitals have issued reassurance to patients that wards will be safely staffed and emergencies dealt with as senior doctors and consultants will cover shifts.

The two day walk-out starts at 8am although doctors' leaders have said the action could be suspended if Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt agreed to lift his threat to impose the controversial contracts.

Mr Hunt says he wants junior doctors' working patterns to become more flexible in order to deliver the "seven-day NHS" the Conservatives promised in the general election.

He plans to extend the times of the week junior doctors are paid only basic rates for working, from the current 7am to 7pm Monday to Friday to 7am to 10pm on weekdays and from 7am until 7pm on Saturdays.

But the British Medical Association (BMA) says the Government’s proposals will reduce safeguards on the number of hours junior doctors can work, abolish increased pay for unsocial hours and cut pay for A&E staff.

There will be a picket line outside Watford General Hospital today and tomorrow.

What do you think about the strike action? Comment below or email charlotte.ikonen@london.newsquest.co.uk.