HOSPITAL chiefs in Hampshire are today preparing to axe operations and clinics as junior doctors launch widespread national strikes for the second time in a month.

Now health bosses insist they are in a strong position to ward off chaos and mass disruption for thousands of patients during the mass walkouts.

It comes as the British Medical Association (BMA) refused to rule out whether fresh industrial action could be launched they fail to solve the row with the Government over pay and working conditions.

Junior doctors are poised to hit the picket lines from 8am today for 24 hours – 15 hours more than previously planned.

But the BMA has backed away from previous threats to cancel emergency cover which health campaigners feared would cause widespread chaos.

Both Southampton General Hospital and the Royal County Hospital in Winchester have rearranged a series of non-urgent theatre procedures and outpatient clinics to ensure enough staff coverage in key departments – while extra consultants have been drafted in.

All patients affected have been or will be contacted and their appointments rescheduled – as happened during a 24-hour walkout on January 12.

Last night bosses at Southampton refused to disclose the extent of cancellations but it is understood to be similar to during last month’s strikes when 13 operations and 130 outpatients clinics were rearranged.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has cancelled 15 operations across its three hospitals in Winchester, Andover and Basingstoke.

It estimates 10 per cent of clinics will be scrapped – similar to last time, when just three out 35 were rearranged in Winchester.

Dr Caroline Marshall, chief operating officer at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, said: “To ensure our hospitals run as safely and as effectively as possible during the periods of strike action, we expect to cancel some outpatient clinics and non-urgent theatre lists to re-allocate clinical staff in other areas.

“Patients whose appointments will not be affected will not hear from us and should plan to attend hospital as normal.”

Last night the BMA and NHS employers were still locked in talks over controversial new contracts with both sides disagreeing over weekend pay and whether Saturdays should be classed as normal ‘plain’ time or should attract a premium.

It comes after health secretary Jeremy Hunt accused the BMA of “spreading misinformation” about the proposed deal.

Junior doctor Cathy Paget of the Wessex Industrial Action Committee said: “It’s really sad we’ve come to this again but junior doctors’ cannot accept a contract that is unsafe and unfair.”

Harry Dymond, chairman of Healthwatch Southampton said he is relieved emergency cover is in place and reassured that the lack of disruption last time will mean things run smoothly today.

He added: “I sincerely hope that both sides have enough sense to get it solved before another strike.”

Doctors will rally in Southampton City Centre outside the Bargate from 11.30am today, which is expected to be smaller than last month’s demonstration due to individual events in towns and cities in the region.