Junior doctors strike in Warwick

Junior doctors in Warwick joined a nationwide strike today in a row over pay and conditions.

The walkout comes as junior doctors continue to fight health secretary Jeremy Hunts plans to impose a new contract on them, with changes to weekend pay.

During the strike junior doctors are providing training to parents in lifesaving skills and giving blood, and speaking to members of the public about the dispute at ‘meet the doctor’ events.

BMA junior doctors committee chair Johann Malawana said: “We deeply regret disruption to patients, but the Government has left junior doctors with no choice.

“Ministers have made it clear they intend to impose a contract that is unfair on junior doctors and could undermine the delivery of patient care in the long term.

“The current proposals will affect those already working the most unsocial hours, hitting key parts of the NHS with the greatest problems in attracting and keeping doctors — such as our accident and emergency departments.

“This action is wholly avoidable but the Government must get back around the table and negotiate with junior doctors, rather than simply impose a contract in which they have no confidence.”

The 48-hour strike has triggered the cancellation of around 5,000 operations across the country.

Junior doctors are planning more industrial action between 8am on Wednesday 6 April to 8am Friday 8 April and from 8am on Tuesday 26 April to 8am on Thursday 28 April.