Junior doctors in 24-hour strike as majority of public supports action

Protest: Junior doctors and artist Stik (centre) outside Hackney Town Hall. Photograph: Stik

Junior doctors went on strike today for the second time in just over a month to protest government changes to their contracts.

Scores put down their stethoscopes to carry signs across the borough amid a national strike of more than 160 pickets.

Today’s industrial action, which saw all junior doctor work except emergency services suspended for 24 hours, was called by the British Medial Association in the latest stage of an ongoing stand-off with health secretary Jeremy Hunt.

Dr Johann Malawana, BMA junior doctor committee chair, said: “We deeply regret the disruption caused to patients, but this is a fight for the long-term delivery of high quality patient care, for junior doctors’ working lives and for ability of the NHS to rise to the enormous challenges facing it.

“Junior doctors already work around the clock, seven days a week and they do so under their existing contract. If the government want more seven-day services then, quite simply, they need more doctors, nurses and diagnostic staff, and the extra investment needed to deliver it.”

He added that the strike had 98 percent approval among junior doctors.

Protesters in Hackney were joined today by local street artist Stik, who loaned them specially made placards with his iconic artwork, as he did at the first strike last month.

According to a YouGov poll released yesterday, 49 percent of respondents backed the doctors, saying they are right to take strike action, while 31 percent said they are wrong.

Jennette Arnold, London Assembly Member for Hackney, wrote to the Citizen to express her support for those striking.

She said: “Our junior doctors do an amazing job but are being placed under more and more strain as a result of the Government’s underinvestment in the NHS.

“Now they are being told that they will have to work longer hours, including weekends and nights, for less money.

“Responsibility for this strike rests firmly with the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

“It’s time the Government recognises the incredible role junior doctors play and listened to their legitimate concerns.”