大象传媒

大象传媒 Essex's Sonia Watson spoke to David Bell from Chelmsford who says the strikes have caused issues for his operation due to take place this week,
Tiffany Hemmings from the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board, Dr Syira Ahsan, a GP from Chigwell and Dr Daniel Zahedi who is a member of the BMA and co-chair of its East of England Junior Doctor Committee

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said the government was also concerned that safety was at risk.
"We are working with NHS England to put in place contingency plans to protect patient safety. The NHS will prioritise resources to protect emergency treatment, critical care, maternity and neonatal care, and trauma."

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said:
鈥淚t is extremely disappointing the BMA has called strike action for four consecutive days. Not only will the walkouts risk patient safety, but they have also been timed to maximise disruption after the Easter break.
鈥淚 hoped to begin formal pay negotiations with the BMA last month but its demand for a 35% pay rise is unreasonable 鈥� it would result in some junior doctors receiving a pay rise of over 拢20,000. 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.
鈥淧eople 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.鈥�