Fewer patients impacted by latest doctors' strike

FEWER patients were affected by the five-day walkout by resident doctors compared with previous strikes, officials have said.

- ELLA PICKOVER

Hospitals were ordered to press ahead with as much pre-planned care as possible during the walkout across England, which ended at 7am yesterday.

Hospital leaders have said that fewer resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, took to picket lines compared with previous walkouts.

Details on the number of appointments, procedures and operations postponed as a result are expected to be published later this week.

Both the Government and the British Medical Association (BMA) have said they are prepared to continue negotiations with a view to avert further strike action.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said talks could lead to improvements in the working lives of resident doctors but he has repeatedly said there is no more money for pay.

However, BMA leaders have insisted that there must be some pay discussions during talks.

The BMA has also launched a “linked dispute” with the Government over a lack of places for doctors in training, which could lead to common ground during future talks.