From frontline to picket lines
A five-day strike by junior doctors, also known as resident doctors, is currently underway across Devon and Cornwall.
It began at 7:00 AM this morning and is scheduled to run until 7:00 AM on Monday 22 December.
This marks the 14th period of industrial action since March 2023, causing renewed concern for regional healthcare stability.
The latest round of strikes follows an overwhelming rejection of the government’s recent offer by British Medical Association (BMA) members.
Union leaders criticised the proposal for focusing on training reforms while offering no additional increase to wages.
The BMA continues to hold out for "pay restoration," seeking a 26% increase to make up for what they call 'fifteen years of real-terms pay erosion'.
The NHS is already grappling with high staff sickness and a surge in "superflu" cases; there are warnings that this action could max out hospital capacity during the peak winter period.
Hospital bosses across the Southwest are urging the public to attend appointments unless contacted directly, and to use 111 online for non-emergency care to keep A&E clear for life-threatening cases.
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