Junior doctors in England are taking unprecedented strike action, launching a four-day walkout that is expected to be the most disruptive in the National Health Service’s (NHS) history. The strike follows a 72-hour walkout in March and aims to achieve full pay restoration, implement a mechanism to prevent future pay declines, and reform the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body (DDRB) process.
Since 2008/09, junior doctors have seen a reduction of more than 25% in their salaries. This decline in pay has led to recruitment and retention challenges, further pressuring the NHS and its ability to deliver care to expected standards. The government has refused to negotiate with the British Medical Association (BMA) on pay restoration, prompting the escalation in industrial action.
The strike, which began at 07:00 BST on Tuesday, includes BMA members in both planned and emergency care. It is estimated that between 250,000 and 350,000 appointments and operations could be cancelled, with some hospitals reporting up to half of planned treatments affected. Mental health services and some GP surgeries are also expected to experience disruptions. The NHS has emphasized that it will prioritize critical care, maternity, neonatal care, and trauma operations.
While recent strikes by nurses and ambulance workers saw unions agree to exempt certain emergency services, the junior doctors’ strike will only pull doctors off picket lines if lives are in immediate danger. Doctors argue that their strike is not only about pay, but also patient safety, as the current pay levels are affecting recruitment and leading to many doctors leaving the profession.
The strike occurs just after the bank holiday Easter weekend, a time when the NHS already faces increased demand and greater staff absence, further amplifying its significance and impact.
Photo from today’s Picket line at Eastbourne DGH by Alan FRASER @apoliticaleye
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