DHAKA: Junior doctors will walk out of both routine and emergency care from 08:00 to 17:00 BST in the NHS’s history later.

It is the first time services such as A&E, maternity and intensive care have been hit in the long-running dispute, reports BBC.

NHS bosses believe plans are in place to ensure care will be safe, but say the situation will be monitored closely during the stoppage.

Further all-out strike action is due to take place on Wednesday, between the same hours.

Hospitals can request that junior doctors return to work if needed, but as yet no NHS trust has raised the alarm.

NHS England said "military level" contingency planning had been carried out to protect urgent and emergency care.

Patients are being urged to think carefully about how they use the NHS during the strike - a website has been set up giving patients details about what services are available where they live.

BDST: 1335 HRS APR 26, 2016
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