Streeting slams doctors' 'dangerous' strike plans

STRIKES by resident doctors in England will go ahead as planned tomorrow after members of the British Medical Association rejected a new offer from the Government.

- 

It comes amid warnings of a "super flu" sweeping the nation, with flu cases in hospitals in England at a record level for this time of year.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting accused the union of "shocking disregard for patient safety" for choosing to stage a walkout "to inflict damage on the NHS at the moment of maximum danger".

He said the strikes are "self-indulgent, irresponsible and dangerous" and offered to reschedule the strikes to January.

The new offer from the Government included a fast expansion of specialist training posts as well as covering out-of-pocket expenses such as exam fees, but did not include extra pay.