Junior doctors in North Yorkshire join strike action

Junior doctors in North Yorkshire have joined colleagues across England in a four-day strike in a worsening dispute over pay which threatens huge disruption to the NHS.

An estimated 350,000 appointments, including operations, will be cancelled as a result of the walkout by members of the British Medical Association (BMA).

Managers have said patient care is "on a knife edge" because of the strike, while NHS Confederation chief executive Matthew Taylor said the number of appointments cancelled, previously suggested to be 250,000, was likely to rise by another 100,000.

The strikes centre around a pay row between the BMA and Government, with the union claiming junior doctors in England have seen a 26% real-terms pay cut since 2008/09 because pay rises have been below inflation.

The union has asked for a full pay restoration that the Government said would amount to a 35% pay rise - which ministers have said is unaffordable.

BMA officials said the pay issue is making it harder to recruit and retain junior doctors, with members previously walking out for three days in March.

Health secretary Steve Barclay called the strikes "disappointing", adding: "If the BMA is willing to move significantly from this position and cancel strikes 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."

York and Scarborough NHS Teaching Hospitals said: During strike action, urgent and emergency treatment will be our priority.

"We are working closely with union representatives to ensure plans are in place to maintain safe care for patients, while facilitating and respecting the right of those staff who wish to take legal industrial action."

Bosses at Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust warned: "Outpatients appointments and planned activity may be affected

But a statement added: "Patients should continue to attend appointments as planned unless contacted to reschedule.

"We will be re-arranging any postponed appointments as a priority."

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