Operations and appointments could be cancelled today at Medway Maritime Hospital as junior doctors go on strike.

Emergency operations will be carried out by consultants and senior clinical staff will be taking on their work on the wards.

But some outpatients clinics and non-emergency surgery may be cancelled.

The national 24-hour walkout is as a protest against a new contract involving weekend working.

A further 48-hour walkout is planned on Tuesday, January 26.

A Medway NHS spokesman said ongoing emergency team meetings have taken place since the threat of industrial action emerged at the end of last year.

She said: "This one is manageable, but we will have to step up measures if the 48 hour strike goes ahead at the end of the month."

The action comes after the breakdown of talks with the conciliation service, Acas and the British Medical Association (BMA), which represents doctors.

Margaret Dalziel, director of clinical operations at Medway NHS Foundation Trust said:

“While we respect the right of junior doctors to take industrial action, our top priority is to ensure patients continue to receive safe and compassionate treatment during this period.

“We have worked with other local trusts, our commissioners, ambulance services and NHS England to ensure the safe provision of services to our patients.

"Senior clinical staff will cover the usual duties of our junior doctors on hospital wards, so that our patients can continue to receive safe, clinical care.

“It is important to stress that junior doctors will still continue to provide care in our emergency department.

"However, those in less urgent need of care may experience longer waiting times than normal. If patients have a minor injury or illness and they’re not sure where to go for treatment, they should call NHS111 for advice or their local GP.”

“Unfortunately, we will have to cancel some outpatient clinics and non-emergency surgery. We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”

They are being backed by Medway Trades Union Council, which is calling for the public to join them on the picket line at Medway Maritime Hospital.

Andrew Travers, MTUC press officer, said: “We commend the junior doctors’ brave stand against the government’s attempt to worsen their pay and conditions in the NHS.”

"We also call on the public of Medway to show support to doctor's picket lines in Medway."

The BMA said the revised deal by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt in his attempt to provide a seven-day week service would affect their pay and working conditions. They are also concerned it would compromise patient safety.

Some staff are expected to join a picket line outside the hospital grounds in Windmill Road.