Cars beeped their horns, passers by cheered and waved as junior doctors and members of the public chanted "Save our NHS" outside Broomfield Hospital today.

More than 50 junior doctors gathered outside the hospital to wave placards, shout catchy slogans and chat to members of the public about their decision to strike for 24 hours. 

They are striking in protest against proposals for a new contract which could see many working more weekends. 

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This is the second strike this year;  one took place on January 12 and, although another 48-hour strike was due to happen on January 26, it was called off by the doctors’ union the British Medical Association after progress was made in discussions with the Government.

But a statement put out by the BMA a few days ago said the talks over new contracts and weekend working had failed.

In a statement, the BMA accused the government of putting “politics before patients”.

Junior doctors will strike, providing only emergency cover, for 24 hours today.

Dr Sheenen Meghji, 31, ​(pictured below) is a BMA spokeswoman who works at Southend and Chelmsford Hospitals. 

She said: "We have had quite a lot of people here today, it's been a good turnout. 

"I worked a 14 hour shift this week during which time I had no chance to get anything to eat  or take a break. 

"I managed to grab a cup of coffee but that was it. 

"If you imagine a pilot with a plane full of people, about to take off, that pilot won't take off unless he has a fully functioning crew member.

"That's because it's  not safe; if you transfer that to the NHS it's the same. 

"We have enough staff to staff a five day week but if you want a seven day week you need more staff. 

"Striking is something non of us wanted to do, we just want a safer NHS

"Jeremy Hunt has managed to alienate a whole generation of junior and senior doctors and it's absolutely disgusting."Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Members of the public also joined the doctors on the picket line. One man, John Smith, 71, of Little Waltham, said:  "I'm supporting the doctors here today as they are some of the most fantastic people this country has. 

"They are so important."

Linda Ford, 65, of Maldon, (pictured below) added: "I came here in support last time.

"I'm absolutely in support of the doctors, my whole family and I live  in Essex and we are very grateful to  the NHS it is precious. 

"We can't keep stretching these people further and further. 

"There is nothing more important than health. 

"We need to save our  NHS."

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Dr Elly Ferreira, 35, is currently an anesthetist at Broomfield Hospital  but will go on maternity leave later this month to have her third child. 

She joined junior doctors in High Chelmer Shopping Centre with her children Olivia, four, and Hugo, 21 months, to support her colleagues as they chatted about their reasons for striking and demonstrated how to perform CPR  to  the public. 

Below: Dr Sheenen Meghji and Olivia Ferreira demonstrate how to perform CPR to Olivia's brother Hugo and their mum Dr Elly Ferreira. 

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Below: Broomfield Hospital colleagues Dr Alex Edgerley, 24, and Ed Hope, 33, practice their CPR technique. 

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