HUNDREDS of appointments at Dudley hospitals have had to be rescheduled ahead of the latest strike over pay by junior doctors.

Young medics from the Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and other trusts across the country are set to walk out for 48 hours from 8am on Wednesday March 9 as anger continues over Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt's plan to introduce new contracts for junior doctors.

Following the last wave of strike action, on February 10 and 11, it was announced that new terms and conditions would be imposed on all new junior doctors after negotiations between the government and the British Medical Association failed.

Black Country MPs Mike Wood (Dudley South) and Margot James (Stourbridge) said the Health Secretary had "no alternative" but to introduce new contracts in order to create a seven-day NHS as there was no realistic prospect of a successful negotiation being reached.

But still fuming over the changes, which include cuts to extra payments for anti-social hours, the BMA has now issued notification that a third round of strike action over the dispute is due to start.

Meanwhile - Paula Clark, Dudley Group chief executive, said borough hospital bosses have been "working to minimise the impact on patients where possible".

She said: "We are in the process of finalising our contingency plans.

"Our priority will be to ensure that safe emergency, urgent and inpatient services are maintained."

A total of 282 outpatient appointments and one in-patient operation have had to be rescheduled but women who go into labour during the strike period will be able to give birth as usual - in hospital or at home if they have chosen a home birth.

Ms Clark said all patients whose appointments are affected will be offered an alternative date in the future and she added: "It is very important for patients who have not been contacted by hospital staff to attend their appointments as normal.

"We apologise for any inconvenience caused to patients whose procedures have been rescheduled.

"We will continue to review the situation and make further arrangements as necessary."

Meanwhile - patients are urged to only use Accident and Emergency if they are facing a serious or life-threatening emergency.

Anyone unsure about where to go should call NHS 111 for free health advice.