At 8 A.M. Junior Doctors from across England walked out in strike action protesting proposed contracts which they claim would endanger them and the lives of patients.
Today junior doctors take industrial action, senior colleagues fill in & med students support them #junioraction pic.twitter.com/vSGLhVTJEp
— The BMA (@TheBMA) January 12, 2016
At pickets outside of hospitals, staff and their supporters call for the government to reconsider and to listen to their concerns.
I am in full support of the #JuniorDoctorsStrike !!! a bit of action to try and #SaveOurNHS
— Miss Mode (@oma_mode) January 12, 2016
While there has been disruption for patients who had appointments arranged for today, senior doctors are still working to ensure that patients still receive the care that they need.
REMEMBER: if you need medical care today you can STILL get it (just like you can at any weekend/bank holiday)! #NHS #JuniorDoctors
— Ranj Singh (@DrRanj) January 12, 2016
Sandwell Hospital declares Level 4 emergency, asks Drs back to work. Doctors refuse. Thought it was about the patients? #JuniorDoctorsStrike
— Marauding Winger (@MaraudingWinger) January 12, 2016
The strike is over concerns that a new contract proposed by the government which will impose changes to both the hours worked and salary (it has been reported that they have been offered an 11% pay rise, but this is offset by a decrease in ‘unsociable hours’ pay). The government claim that the contract will ensure a 7 day NHS, and insist that this is all to benefit the system and patients.
Heard from a junior Dr who stands to lose nearly 25% of his wage if this contract is imposed upon him. #JuniorDoctorsStrike
— Nihal Arthanayake (@TherealNihal) January 12, 2016
At the time of writing, Health Minister Jeremy Hunt had not commented on the strike.
