DOCTORS 'HOLD PATIENTS HOSTAGE' WITH STRIKES

As walkouts cost the NHS an estimated £3bn in three years, Tories warn...

- MICHAEL KNOWLES and HANNA GEISSLER

RESIDENT doctors have been accused of holding patients "hostage" at the start of their six-day walkout this morning.

The strike will cost thousands of appointments and an estimated £50million daily. Shadow Health Secretary Stuart Andrew urged the Prime Minister to get a grip.

He said: “It is clear stronger action is needed. If Keir Starmer had the backbone to stand up to the militant BMA, patients would not be held hostage.”

During the last five-day strike by resident doctors — formerly junior doctors — more than 25,000 walked out on each of three weekdays and 8,000 at the weekend.

That action, between December 17-21, resulted in almost 34,000 appointments being rescheduled.

The British Medical Association led members out from 7am today after failing to put the latest pay package to them.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said it would have left them 35.2% better off on average than they were four years ago. It included the 3.5% rise recommended for all doctors by the independent pay review body, help with some expenses, such as exam fees, and faster pay progression during training. An offer of 1,000 extra training places for resident doctors was taken off the table last week.

The Department of Health said it was not “financially or operationally” possible due to the fallout from this strike.