The NHS is facing a “huge and growing risk” amid disruptions caused by continuous industrial action, health service bosses have warned.
Junior doctors launched a five-day strike on Thursday, in what is being described as the longest walkout of its kind in the NHS’s history amid ongoing protests over pay.
Members of the British Medical Association (BMA) in England mounted picket lines outside hospitals from 7 a.m. at the start of the walkout, which will cause huge disruption, affecting operations and consultations.
The BMA claims junior doctors in England have seen a 26 percent real-terms pay cut since 2008/2009 because pay rises have been below inflation. It said the pay issue is making it harder to recruit and retain junior doctors….