English doctors begin longest-ever NHS strike
Hospital doctors in England on Wednesday, January 3, began their longest consecutive strike in the seven-decade history of Britain's National Health Service (NHS). Junior doctors – those below the consultant level – started a six-day walkout, in a major escalation of their long-running pay dispute with the UK government, AFP reports.
The industrial action comes at one of the busiest times of the year for the state-funded NHS, when it faces increased pressure from winter respiratory illnesses. It also quickly follows a three-day strike held by doctors just before Christmas. "This January could be one of the most difficult starts to the year the NHS has ever faced," said its national medical director, Stephen Powis.
The NHS said the latest stoppage, which could see up to half of the medical workforce on picket lines, would have "a significant impact on almost all routine care." The strike is due to end at 7:00 am (GMT) next Tuesday.
