'Dire consequences for older patients' if we 'sleepwalk' into more NHS strikes

A FRESH round of doctors' strikes will have "dire consequences for older patients" as temperatures soar.

- By Jonathan Walker

Campaigners for the elderly also warned last night that the Government is "sleepwalking" into industrial action that will cost lives.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting is to meet representatives from the British Medical Association this week in an effort to prevent walkouts.

He is understood to be sympathetic about improving working conditions but is refusing further massive pay rises after resident doctors enjoyed a 22% increase over two years. They have been offered an additional above-inflation 5.4% rise this year.

Dennis Reed, director of campaigners Silver Voices, said: "In the midst of a heatwave we are sleepwalking towards another serious bout of industrial action in the health service, with dire consequences for older patients.

"Creative thinking is required from all sides to these disputes to save lives and stop the waiting lists from zooming again.