England junior doctors launch 4-day ‘disruptive strike’

The public health service in England launched their “most disruptive strike” as junior doctors are walking out over pay and working conditions.

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THOUSANDS OF DOCTORS WALKED OUT OF HOSPITALS

Thousands of doctors in England walked out of hospitals and clinics on Tuesday morning.

The four-day strike by junior doctors is said to be the most serious action yet. National medical director of NHS England Stephen Powis warns it will pile “immense pressures” on the service.

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NHS ENGLAND SPOKESPERSON ON THE STRIKE

“This is set to be the most disruptive industrial action in NHS history, and the strike will bring immense pressures, coming on the back of a challenged extended bank holiday weekend for staff and services,” Powis said.

According to the NHS Confederation, which represents the healthcare system in England, a quarter million appointments could be postponed.

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“Emergency, urgent, and critical care will be prioritised but some patients will, unfortunately, have had their appointments postponed.”

The strike started at 7:00 on Tuesday and will run until the morning of 15 April.

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According to Health Secretary Steve Barclay, “unrealistic” calls for a 35% pay rise led to a breakdown in talks.

“I recognise their hard work and dedication. But it is deeply disappointing that this industrial action has been timed by the British Medical Association (BMA) Junior Doctors Committee to cause maximum disruption to both patients and other NHS staff.”

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Since the start of the year, England has been hit by strikes, as workers are struggling with the cost of living caused by double-digit inflation.