A 24-hour strike by junior doctors has been called off amid a row about contracts.

The British Medical Association agreed to suspend the walkout following a last-minute breakthrough in talks.

Doctors from the Royal National Orthopedic Hospital in Stanmore and Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow had planned to hold a picket line, a demonstration and a march.

But after the strike was called off, Amir Amiri, who works at the RNOH, said: “We are disappointed to see the cancellation of planned operations as well as outpatient clinic appointments.

“We are very sorry for the effect this has on our patients. Perhaps if Mr Hunt had not initially refused an offer of ACAS mediated talks, and delayed this process by 5 days, we would not be facing these unnecessary cancellations.

 “We hope upcoming negotiations will result in a contract that is safe for patients as well as doctors.”

Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt wants to create a 24 hour, seven day a week NHS, quoting figures that show patients are more likely to die at weekends or in the evening.

But doctors say these figures have been “misreported” and they already work hard to provide a safe, seven-day service.

The new contracts would also see doctors who work between 5pm and 10pm Monday to Saturday paid the same as those working the normal 9-5pm shift.