JUNIOR doctors preparing to go on strike on Tuesday have accused the government of “spinning” the reasons the row has broken out.

More than 37,000 junior doctors across the country – including 2,000 in the Thames Valley – voted in favour of industrial action over Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt’s proposed contract changes.

While the strike was called off at the 11th hour the day before the action on December 1, the doctors union announced on Monday night that next week’s industrial action would go ahead.

Dr Rachel Clarke, who works at the county’s hospitals, stressed the dispute was not about pay but over staff and patient safety, adding: “The government is spinning this as a pay dispute, but the key issue is not pay.

“Mr Hunt says he wants a better weekend service but you cannot have a better service and more doctors on the ground without spending more money on it.

“It is a pipe-dream – we are already working horrendous hours and if we are stretched more thinly it’s our patients who are going to suffer.”

The 24 hours of action will begin at 8am on Tuesday and unless a deal is reached it will be followed by 48 hours of emergency care only beginning on January 26.

A third day of action is scheduled for February 10 which would see a full withdrawal of junior doctors’ labour between 8am and 5pm.

More than 100 junior doctors are expected to set up a picket line at the John Radcliffe Hospital on the day as part of the strike action across the country.

After the picket, the medics will move to Broad Street, in the city centre, from about 1pm to speak to the public about the reasons behind the industrial action.

While Mr Hunt has tabled an 11 per cent pay rise to try to introduce a 24/7 health service, doctors claim it will stretch resources to breaking point by having the same staff work longer hours.

Mr Hunt said: “Our absolute priority is making sure the NHS delivers high-quality care, seven days a week.

“We know that is what doctors want too, so it is extremely disappointing that the BMA has chosen to take industrial action which helps no one.”

Hospital bosses stress that urgent and emergency care will not be affected by the strikes, but routine appointments will be rescheduled.

Clinical services director Paul Brennan said: “We regret that the two sides have yet to reach an agreement and we are very sorry for the inconvenience this is causing to our patients.”

The leader of the Green group on Oxfordshire County Council David Williams backed the strike, saying the new contract will put even more pressure on doctors.