Appointments at Epsom and St Helier hospitals have been disrupted despite a junior doctors’ strike being called off at the 11th hour.

From yesterday: Junior doctors' strike: Epsom and St Helier warn patients to expect delays and disruptions

The British Medical Association agreed to suspend industrial action following a breakthrough in talks with health secretary Jeremy Hunt.

But elective operations - including knee and hip operations - at Epsom and St Helier Hospitals may have already been cancelled.

More than 4,000 patients nationwide had already had their treatments disrupted.

24 hours of industrial action was planned nationwide in protest against new contracts in which an 11 per cent pay rise was to be offset by unsociable hours and unpaid overtime.

Total walk-outs planned for December 8 and 16 have also been suspended.

Emergency care during today’s strike was due to be covered by doctors.

Epsom and St Helier Hospitals said during today’s strike those looking after children, the elderly, and people with long-term conditions should contact their GP about accessing medical care.

A spokesperson from Epsom and St Heliers Hospital said: "We are pleased to say that our junior doctors are at work as usual and we are working to make sure that our hospitals run smoothly.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused, and would like to assure you that we have done all we can to keep disruptions to a minimum."

In an email to British Medical Association members yesterday evening, council chairman Mark Porter said: "Today’s decision is in the best interests of patients, doctors and the NHS.

"It is unfortunate that we have not been able to reach agreement sooner but patients, doctors and everyone else who works across the NHS will be pleased that in the end the right decision has been made.

"A return to genuine negotiations is clearly preferable to the imposition of a new contract or industrial action and provides us with the best opportunity to deliver a contract for junior doctors which recognises the central role they play in delivering patient care across the NHS."

Are you affected by the disruption? Comment below or email craig.richard@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 020 8722 6483.