CRISIS FEARS AS OUR JUNIOR DOCS SAY YES TO STRIKE

SCOTLAND's resident doctors are to strike in a pay dispute plunging the country into a potentially "catastrophic" crisis.

- RICHARD ELIAS

The announcement of the industrial action - the first of its kind ever in the country - came late yesterday afternoon.

According to the BMA Scotland union, it's been caused by the Scottish Government reneging on a commitment to restore pay to 2008 levels.

Strikes are due to start on Tuesday, January 13, and Saturday, January 17.

The vote for industrial action saw a 92% vote in favour. The turn-out of the 5,185 resident doctors was 58% with a total of 3,008 votes being cast.

There remains a glimmer of hope that the strikes can be called off, with the Scottish Government being urged to get back round the negotiating table and present a "credible offer".

Resident doctors who were previously called junior doctors - make up around 50% of the medical workforce in Scotland.

Their roles range from newlyqualified doctors to those with up to 10 years' experience.

The BMA Scotland's anger centres on what it calls the "erosion" of funding provided to general practice since 2008, while last night the Scottish Tories warned of the dire implications if a resolution was not found quickly.

The party's shadow health secretary Dr Sandesh Gulhane MSP said: "This is a terrifying development that risks pushing our broken NHS over the edge.