Junior doctors working at hospitals across the NHS walked out this morning, at the start of their latest five-day strike in the ongoing pay dispute with the government.
Long-running dispute: NHS doctors are carrying out another round of strike action from this morning
Junior doctors make up around 50% of doctors in the NHS and, despite extensive planning and cover arrangements, the latest strikes by junior doctors are likely to cause widespread disruption. The strike is due to run until 7am on Tuesday July 2.
Rather than supporting the doctors’ union calls for better pay and conditions, Labour’s health spokesperson, Wes Streeting, issued an appeal to postpone the strike. This is the 11th strike action since the doctors began action, as they seek a 35% phased pay increase. The doctors say they have had no meaningful discussion with the employers’ side since last year.
Emergency care continues to be prioritised by NHS London during the industrial action. “People should still call 999 in life-threatening emergencies and contact NHS 111 for other health concerns, as well as local services including GPs and pharmacies,” NHS London advised in a statement today.
NHS London’s medical director Chris Streather said: “The NHS in London faces a number of challenges at present, with trusts – particularly in south-east London – directly affected by the serious cyber incident which took place earlier in June and a number of other organisations involved in providing mutual aid to those directly hit by the attack.
“Nevertheless, the NHS has, as always, been preparing extensively for these strikes and it’s important that people continue to come forward for care if they need it. To help us deliver care to those that need it most, we are asking people to continue to use 999 and A&E in life-threatening emergencies.
“If you haven’t been contacted or informed that your planned appointment has been postponed, please attend as normal.”
The NHS is working closely with the doctors’ union, the British Medical Assocation, to address any patient safety concerns during the period of industrial actions as a result of the ongoing cyber incident that is having an impact across south east London.
Pharmacies and GPs are unaffected by the strikes so patients can still get appointments and health advice.
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