EMOTIONS were running high outside the Royal Berkshire Hospital this morning as junior doctors went on strike for the fourth time over a controversial new contract.

Two large groups of junior doctors from routine and emergency care units stood at the hospital's two entrances in what was the first all-out doctors' strike in the history of the NHS.

The doctors are contesting a contract to be imposed by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt that will affect hours of work, over time and basic levels of pay.

Dr Sarah Morton, a GP from Caversham, joined the strike with her daughter Lucy and 40 McDonald's hash browns bought for the doctors.

She said: “As a GP and a parent I am here to give my 100 percent support to the junior doctors. It is very sad that it has come to this.

“When my son Robert was nine months old he was very ill with meningitis so we rushed him to A&E at the RBH. He was saved by three junior doctors.

"He stopped breathing and they stabilised him in the critical first hour. He is now five and a happy, healthy child in reception.

“Junior doctors work the weekend and night shifts. They work 24 hours a day. Without them the hospital could not run.”

Although the steady stream of honking cars and passers by suggested local support for the strike, in line with recent national polls, not everyone was in agreement.

Patrick Fennessy, a former junior doctor from Wargrave, said: “I think it is a disgrace. It is absolutely terrible.

“When I took my first job they said I would get Wednesdays off and every third weekend. I didn't know that before I started. I just got on with it.

“You should never go on strike. There is no excuse. They are working 48 hour weeks. I think their arguments are pathetic.”

Paul Matthews, a junior doctor for the past four years, tackled the notion that the strikes were to do with self interest.

“It's not about money. I am here protesting against the contract and the fact that it has been imposed.

“These are time limited strikes. It is relatively straight forward for the trust to arrange for consultant led care.

“I would be very happy to receive treatment in the hospital today.”