A JUNIOR doctor has laid bare her reasons for striking in a letter to the public, before the first all-out doctors strike in history.

The 48-hour strike starting tomorrow (APRIL 26) will see junior doctors withdraw all care, including emergency cover, leaving senior consultants to fill care gaps from 8am to 5pm.

Dr Charis Banks has been a junior doctor at the Great Western Hospital for four years and a regular face on the picket line during four previous strikes.

In her open letter the 34-year-old, who will start anaesthetist training in August, explained why doctors are taking the “last resort” of industrial action, and thanked the public for their support.

"I went in to medicine to help people, as corny as that sounds it’s the truth. However due to my deep concern at the long term harm this contract will cause to my patients and the threat to the future of the NHS, I will be taking part in this strike action," she said.

"This could be stopped immediately if Jeremy Hunt agreed to remove the imposition of an unsafe and unfair contract and return to negotiations.

"Firstly, I want to reassure anyone that if you need medical attention during the strike you will be cared for by the most senior doctors in our hospitals and in general practice. You will be safe, your loved ones will be safe and the hospital is well prepared and has plans in place. So if you need to go to A&E, or your loved one is in hospital, doctors will still be there to care for them.

"Secondly I want to offer my apologies. If you or a loved one has had an appointment or procedure rearranged, or has been caused anxiety by the strike, we are truly sorry.

"As doctors our place is not outside on the picket line, but inside the hospital, treating patients. I know I speak for all my colleagues when I say that we would much rather be on the wards. Unfortunately the government has shown that it will not listen to protests, petitions, letters or even warnings from patient groups and the Royal Colleges.

"This is a last resort for us and we would not be striking if we could think of any other option.

"Finally, I want to express my deepest and most heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported us so far. We have been so grateful during the previous strikes to all those who have offered support or wanted to talk to us about why we feel the need to take these steps.

"Thank you for your trust that we wouldn't be doing this if we didn't think it was important for the future of doctors and the whole NHS to have a contract that is safe and fair.

"I  truly hope that even at this late stage the government will see sense and lift the imposition of a contract that is not only unsafe for doctors but for patients too.

"I love my job and want to return as quickly as possible to a time when I can concentrate on patients rather than politics."

The Great Western Hospital's scheduled procedures such as hip replacements, knee operations and routine clinics set to encounter interruption and delays.

Dr Guy Rooney, medical director at GWH said plans were in place to keep disruption at the hospital to a minimum.

“Fewer patients have been booked in on the strike days and our team of highly skilled consultants will be covering many of the duties usually carried out by their junior colleagues."

On Monday, health secretary Jeremy Hunt described the strikes as “extreme” and warned they would be “deeply worrying for patients” and could end up risking their safety.

The junior doctors' protest began when the Department of Health announced a contract which could cut junior doctors pay by 40 percent and make them work much longer hours. Extra evening and Saturday pay will be lost as a result.