Junior doctors have begun their second 24-hour strike as part of a national dispute with the Government over a new contract.

The strike began at 8am today with junior doctors at hospitals including Northwick Park only to provide emergency care until 8am tomorrow.

London North West Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs Northwick Park Hospital, said some elective operations and non-urgent outpatient appointments had been cancelled and warned of longer waiting times in A&E.

A spokesman said: "We have tried and tested plans in place to deal with a range of disruptions, including industrial action and these plans will be put in place ahead of time.

"Please be assured that patients in need of urgent and emergency care will continue to receive the treatment they need, when they need it.

"However, due to increased pressures on NHS services over this period, some elective operations and non-urgent outpatient appointments will unfortunately need to be postponed or rearranged.

"A&E is for emergencies only. Patients in need of less urgent care may experience longer waiting times than normal if they present at A&E during the industrial action.

"If you do not have a medical emergency, other NHS services are available that will help you more quickly. You can call NHS 111, or visit www.rightcare4u.org.uk to access other sources of healthcare."

Patients whose appointments have been cancelled will have been contacted by telephone.

People who have not been contacted should attend the hospital as planned.