The NHS is facing a difficult day after the first all out doctors’ strike in the history of the health service was launched in reaction to the continuing dispute over a new contract for junior doctors.
Despite the disruption caused by the on-going strikes the health secretary has indicated that the government is not planning to back down over the contract’s content.
It is the first time that critical services such as A&E, maternity and intensive care have been affected by the long rumbling despite. The strike is expected to continue on Wednesday.
Junior doctors believe that increased working hours due to increasing weekend work is not reflected in their renegotiated pay levels.
Contingency
NHS trusts around the country are monitoring the situation and, should it be required, will recall doctors back to work.
Ahead of the strike, government sources claimed that they could not give in as the row had become political with the BMA trying to topple the government, a claim the BMA has refuted.
NHS England said ‘military level’ contingency planning had been carried out to ensure that no lives are put at risk because of the industrial action.
Robert joined the HRreview editorial team in October 2015. After graduating from the University of Salford in 2009 with a BA in Politics, Robert has spent several years working in print and online journalism in Manchester and London. In the past he has been part of editorial teams at Flux Magazine, Mondo*Arc Magazine and The Marine Professional.
