The first all-out strike in the history of the NHS saw junior doctors walk out from Halton, Warrington and Whiston Hospitals today.
Hundreds of outpatient appointments and operations have been cancelled.
It is the first time junior doctors have withdrawn cover from accident and emergency, maternity and intensive care.
Consultants have been drafted in to cover.
Picket lines are being mounted outside hospitals in the fifth strike over a new proposed contract.
People are urged only to go to A&E if it is an ‘absolute emergency’.
A spokesman for Whiston Hospital said: “Consultants and other senior clinicians are covering the shifts for junior doctors who are taking industrial action to ensure that patients are provided with safe care.”
The trust has rearranged 353 outpatient appointments and 46 operations.
A spokesman for Warrington and Halton Hospitals NHS Trust said: “Healthcare professionals will be working differently to ensure that disruption is kept to an absolute minimum.
“However patients and members of the public are advised not to use A&E unless it is an absolute emergency.”
Junior doctors claim the contract is unsafe for staff and patients but this is disputed by NHS bosses.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here