Junior doctors strike for 10th time over pay dispute
Junior doctors in England are on their 10th strike due to a pay dispute with the government.
The ongoing five-day walkout, starting at 7 AM GMT, is predicted to cause significant disruptions, particularly affecting hospital operations and check-ups, as they comprise half of the hospital medical staff.
The British Medical Association (BMA) demands a 35% salary increase, which ministers deem unreasonable.
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins expressed disappointment over the strike continuation, emphasizing its adverse effects on the NHS and urging the BMA to halt the strikes.
Conversely, BMA representatives Dr. Robert Laurenson and Dr. Vivek Trivedi insist the government could end the strikes by offering a reasonable pay raise to address long-standing pay cuts.
Patients should note that senior doctors are covering emergency care due to the strike, so routine hospital services may be impacted. NHS England advises dialing 999 for emergencies and 111 for other issues.
Unless informed otherwise, patients with scheduled appointments should attend as usual. Disruptions to GP services are also likely.
NHS Confederation CEO Matthew Taylor described the moment as deeply disheartening and urged both parties to show flexibility to reach an agreement, noting that many appointments and operations have been or will be canceled.
Public opinion shows that while support for junior doctors has declined, a majority of 50% still back them versus 43% opposition. Patients provide mixed reactions: some sympathize with the doctors while fearing the impact on their treatments; others feel frustration over delayed procedures due to the strike.
The two sides remain far apart. Junior doctors saw about a 9% pay increase this fiscal year, with an additional 3% raise discussed but not agreed upon last year. The BMA seeks a 35% raise, citing 15 years of below-inflation increases.
Talks have stalled since last December, with the BMA refusing to engage in next year's pay review process and instead seeking a new six-month strike mandate, with the current mandate expiring soon and ballot results expected in late March.
Strikes also occurred in Wales, with Northern Ireland planning actions. Meanwhile, consultants in England have paused further strikes as discussions with the government continue, despite a recent pay offer being narrowly rejected by BMA members.
The British Medical Association (BMA) demands a 35% salary increase, which ministers deem unreasonable.
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins expressed disappointment over the strike continuation, emphasizing its adverse effects on the NHS and urging the BMA to halt the strikes.
Conversely, BMA representatives Dr. Robert Laurenson and Dr. Vivek Trivedi insist the government could end the strikes by offering a reasonable pay raise to address long-standing pay cuts.
Patients should note that senior doctors are covering emergency care due to the strike, so routine hospital services may be impacted. NHS England advises dialing 999 for emergencies and 111 for other issues.
Unless informed otherwise, patients with scheduled appointments should attend as usual. Disruptions to GP services are also likely.
NHS Confederation CEO Matthew Taylor described the moment as deeply disheartening and urged both parties to show flexibility to reach an agreement, noting that many appointments and operations have been or will be canceled.
Public opinion shows that while support for junior doctors has declined, a majority of 50% still back them versus 43% opposition. Patients provide mixed reactions: some sympathize with the doctors while fearing the impact on their treatments; others feel frustration over delayed procedures due to the strike.
The two sides remain far apart. Junior doctors saw about a 9% pay increase this fiscal year, with an additional 3% raise discussed but not agreed upon last year. The BMA seeks a 35% raise, citing 15 years of below-inflation increases.
Talks have stalled since last December, with the BMA refusing to engage in next year's pay review process and instead seeking a new six-month strike mandate, with the current mandate expiring soon and ballot results expected in late March.
Strikes also occurred in Wales, with Northern Ireland planning actions. Meanwhile, consultants in England have paused further strikes as discussions with the government continue, despite a recent pay offer being narrowly rejected by BMA members.