JUNIOR DOCTORS AT SALFORD ROYAL JOIN THE NATIONAL 72-HOUR STRIKE ACTION OVER PAY

Hospitals across the country have cancelled tens of thousands of outpatient appointments and operations due to strike action being undertaken by junior doctors’ which is causing disruptions within the NHS.

Up to 61,000 junior or trainee doctors are staging a 72 hour action from 7am this morning (Monday 13th March) as they pursue a 26% rise in salary.

Health secretary, Steve Barclay, asked the British Medical Association (BMA) to call off the strikes but they have gone ahead as planned after he refused to commit to start pay negotiations in return.

The 72-hour action will be the longest strike period so far with thousands of appointments and operations impacted by cancellations.

Emergency and Critical Care is being prioritised during the unprecedented industrial action which has seen almost half of the workforce walk out.

The majority of the public seem to back the actions of the workers, as visitors heading in and out of the hospital showed their support to the background sound of motorists beeping their horns in solidarity.

Anyone attending an appointment at Salford Royal Hospital in the coming days should still attend unless they have been told otherwise not too, patients are being contacted.

The Government has been urged to get back behind the negotiating table and work on a fair solution to the crisis.

Anyone who needs urgent care should use NHS 111 online or call NHS 111 to be assessed and directed to the right care for them. If you do not have internet access then 111 helpline is available.

When someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk, you should seek emergency care in the normal way, by calling 999 or attending A&E.

Photos ©: Michael Kelly