Junior doctors in North Yorkshire begin six day walkout
Medics are walking out until 7am on Tuesday 9 January
Junior doctors across North Yorkshire are going on strike today.
It's the longest consecutive strike action ever taken in the history of the NHS.
The NHS says it will have a significant impact on almost all routine care and comes in the middle of a period where it's already under severe pressure - with seasonal illnesses including Covid and flu and the spread of other infections.
Junior doctors also took action for three days before Christmas.
People in need of care are being asked to use 111 online in the first instance, but to continue using 999 and A&E in life-threatening emergencies.
"The NHS is in crisis"
Chris Morris is the deputy chair of the British Medical Association in Yorkshire and is defending the walk out: "Every single day of the year, whether or not there is a strike happening, the NHS is in crisis, patients are waiting over 12 hours in A&E regardless of the strikes going on. I think looking back over the year 22-23, over 10 million appointments were cancelled in the NHS only 1.2 million of those were due to strikes."
"It's the lonest period of NHS strike action, ever, but as with all the previous strikes our other colleagues, consultants, specialists will be helping cover the rotas that junior doctors would cover."
"The support for junior doctors remains strong, and the support from the public as well, anecdotally on the picket lines, the public support has been really good."
What are the Government saying?
Health and Social Care Secretary, Victoria Atkins, said:
“January is typically the busiest time of the year for the NHS and these strikes will have a serious impact on patients across the country. Over 1.2 million appointments have already been rescheduled since industrial action began, including over 88,000 during last month’s strikes.
“The NHS has again put in place robust contingency plans to protect patient safety and it is vital anyone who needs medical help continues to come forward.
“I urge the BMA Junior Doctors Committee to call off their strikes and come back to the negotiating table so we can find a fair and reasonable solution to end the strikes once and for all.”
Patients who haven't been contacted or told their planned appointment has been postponed are being urged to attend as normal.