NHS workers across Worcestershire walked out in the second bout of strike action in as many months.

Twice as many people in the county walked out from 7am on Monday than did last month in the ongoing row over pay.

And in light of the planned action, which was announced to be taking place at the end of October following the first round of strikes, the first to take place in more than 30 years for health workers, there were concerns raised about services being able to cope.

A total of 77 people joined strikes from the three Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust sites, including Kidderminster Hospital, but it is believed services and clinics continued to run as normal.

Denise Harnin, director of Human Resources, said “Seventy-seven members of staff at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust chose to take part in strike action. This is just 2.6 per cent of staff on duty today.

“Our emergency services were not disrupted by this action, although patients may have experienced some delays when accessing our outpatient imaging and community maternity services.

“We work hard before any industrial action to ensure the highest levels of safety and quality for our patients. We also work closely with our local trade union partners to minimise any potential disruption to our services and to ensure patient care is not compromised.”

There were also serious concerns raised regarding ambulance response time, with it being reported that it was possible people would be waiting for about four hours before an emergency team attended.

Of those joining the action from West Midlands Ambulance Service, 41 per cent took full strike action while another 26 per cent worked to a number of exemptions meaning they only responded to the most serious calls where life was at risk.

West Midlands Ambulance Service chief executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “Taking strike action is a very difficult decision for our staff. However, through a combination of pre-planning and agreements with union representatives, we have been able to maintain an emergency service for the most seriously ill and injured patients.

“Our staff work extremely hard in often very difficult circumstances and we have sympathy for their position."

Union members will continue to take action short of a strike throughout this week and health bosses have urged people only to call 999 in a genuine emergency.

For non-urgent health advice visit a GP, pharmacy or a local Minor Injuries Units like those in Kidderminster, Bromsgrove and Tenbury, which can deal with a wide range of non life-threatening conditions and where waiting times are often much shorter than at A&E.

Health advice is also available free from NHS 111.