Resident doctors taking strike action across Greater Manchester from today
The strikes will run until Wednesday 19th November
Resident doctors across Greater Manchester are taking part in the strike action from today.
It's part of a national dispute between the British Medical Association and the Government over pay.
Health and care partners are urging residents to use NHS services appropriately so that those most in need can be cared for as swiftly as possible.
Callum Parr's the vice-chair of the British Medical Association's resident doctors committee.
He said: "I never expected that I was going to have to take to the picket lines as a doctor to be valued."
The strikes start at 7am today (Friday) and will run until Wednesday 19th November.
British Medical Association's research shows 30,000 doctors applied for 10,000 places this year.
He added: "That's 20,000 qualified doctors without a training place, so that means they can't progress to become the consultants of the future, the GPs of the future.
"I say that at a time where we're waiting weeks for a GP appointment or hours in A&E.
"It's common sense to expand the number of training places."
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England National Medical Director, said:
“It is frustrating and disappointing that we are facing another round of industrial action at a challenging time for the NHS, with flu cases rising earlier than usual and more staff likely to be absent due to illness.
“Despite this, staff across the NHS are working extremely hard to maintain care and limit disruption.
“The public should continue to come forward for their appointments over the next few days unless they are contacted by the NHS and told otherwise.
“Inevitably some appointments won’t be able to go ahead as planned but we are doing everything possible to keep this to a minimum – and the last round of industrial action showed that, thanks to a strong collective effort, we were able to keep the vast majority of services going for patients.
“In an emergency the public should still dial 999, and otherwise use 111 online, your local pharmacist or GP.”
Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care said:
“As we enter this needless round of strike action, patients should feel reassured that the NHS is more resilient than ever in minimising disruption. During the last round, we reduced cancellations by 11,000 compared to previous strikes and limited costs by millions. The NHS is aiming to keep 95% of planned care going to reduce the impact on patients.
“Make no mistake, this requires a herculean effort from the entire breadth of staff across the NHS. I cannot thank them enough for all their work throughout the next 5 days to keep the show on the road, showing the meaning of public service.
"But there is no doubt that strikes will cause some disruption for patients and the NHS staff left picking up the pieces. The fault for that lies squarely with the BMA, who refused to put the government's offer to its members. The BMA could have secured more jobs and cut professional costs for resident doctors on top of the 28.9% pay rise they have already have thanks to this government, but they rejected it out of hand.
"I urge resident doctors not to follow the BMA out on strike, come to work to give your patients the care they need, and let's continue rebuilding our NHS."