Junior doctors back on strike across North Yorkshire
The Government say the action is "very disappointing"
The Government says todays junior doctor strike is 'extremely disappointing' and will put 'patients safety at risk'.
Members of the British Medical Association are walking out for 3 days in a row over pay.
Alex Brightmore works for York and Scarborough NHS teaching trust and tells us why he's going on strike again: "We've had to take the tough decision to take part in industrial action to try and protect our NHS, looking for pay restoration after years and years of erosion to try and bolster the workforce, improve morale and overall improve patient safety."
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:
“It is extremely disappointing the BMA is going ahead with further strike action. This 72-hour walkout will put patient safety and our efforts to cut waiting lists at risk.
“During recent meetings with representatives of the BMA Junior Doctors Committee, we made a fair and reasonable opening offer and were discussing both pay and non-pay issues until they chose to end the talks by announcing new strike dates.
“If the BMA cancels these damaging and disruptive strikes and shows willingness to move significantly from their position, we can resume confidential talks and find a way forward, as we have done with other unions.
“People should attend appointments unless told otherwise by the NHS, continue to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency and use NHS 111 online services for non-urgent health needs.”