JUNIOR doctors launched a 48-hour strike this morning as they continue to protest against the contract being imposed by Government.
Protestors gathered outside the Royal Lancaster Infirmary as part of the action taking place across England to challenge the introduction of the new contract which is set to come into effect in August.
Although the contract will see junior doctors' basic salary rise by 13 per cent, changes are being introduced to weekend and 'unsociable hours' pay as Government seeks a full seven-day service.
MORE TOP STORIES:
The British Medical Association, which represents junior doctors and medical students, has been at loggerheads with ministers since talks broke down in 2014.
Dr Johann Malawana, BMA junior doctor committee chair, said: "We deeply regret any disruption this action will cause to patients, but it is because we believe this contract would be bad for the delivery of patient care in the long term that we are taking this action.
“By imposing a contract that junior doctors have no confidence in and refusing to re-enter talks with the BMA, the government has left us with no choice."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here