Health chiefs have insisted there have been no problem over the care of patients as a result of two all-out strikes by junior doctors this week.

Doctors have been picketing outside Watford General Hospital which is the local centre for A&E, Intensive Care and maternity services.

But the West Herts Hospitals Trust, which runs Watford, St Albans and Hemel Hempstead Hospitals, would only say that its ‘very robust’ plan to ensure cover for the striking doctors had ensured there were no issues.

Junior doctors based at St Albans City Hospital used their time during the strike to offer life-saving support sessions to parents in the area.

They held the sessions at St Peter’s Church and St Paul’s Church in St Albans, teaching parents the basics of paediatric life support.

Junior doctors across England are striking over the government’s decision to impose new contrasts.