Junior doctors say they are striking with a “heavy heart” as they stand on the picket line.

A protest saw hundreds of trainees at Barnet Hospital and the Royal Free Hospital take part in a first all-out strike in the history of the NHS, last Tuesday and Wednesday.

The British Medical Association, the union representing the junior doctors, say the new contract will see staff work longer hours for less money as it aims to curb unsociable hours pay by reclassifying the hours considered as such.

A group of around 30 junior doctors had been at the picket lines since 8am both mornings, and intend on staying all day.

Dr Susannah Pye, 30, who works at paediatric care at Barnet hospital said: “No one wants to be here, we would rather be at work. I hope the public appreciate what has been going on. We are not asking for more money or to work less on weekends.

“We want to make sure the conditions are safe for us to work in, so if one of our family members are taken into hospital in the future, that they receive the best care possible. “

Hospital staff and passers-by have shown their support over the two-day strike by shouting, beeping from their cars and talking to the doctors.

A survey submitted by Bostock Marketing group online showed that 58% of the public supported the Junior doctors strike.

Dr Matteo DeMartino, 28, said he feels they have had no choice but to strike.

He said: “We have been backed into a corner by a government that won’t listen, we are striking with a heavy heart, and we are not taking this lightly.

“We have judicial reviews that are being looked over as we speak and we have a protest going on every day outside the department of health. If needs be there will be further strikes, but we hope it does not come to that.”

William Macken of Southgate, showed his support at Barnet hospital, on behalf of his daughter who works as a junior doctor in Brighton.

Mr Macken, who was gathering signatures for people to sign in support of the strike, said: “I believe in what they are striking for. It is a very very difficult situation, and it is not acceptable. The public support for the doctors during the strike has been amazing.

Jeremy Hunt and David Cameron were elected to serve and to listen, not to be served. Hunt is not suitable to be this country’s health secretary, I do think he should resign.”

Anyone feeling unwell during the strike is asked to the NHS on 111 or speak to your GP or pharmacist.