LUDLOW MP Philip Dunne has launched a survey to find out what South Shropshire residents think about the current doctors’ strike.

Despite being offered a further pay increase of three per cent, on top of the average 8.8 per cent pay rise (10.3 per cent for the lowest-paid doctors) in April, the British Medical Association (BMA) has rejected it. 

The Union is instead asking for a 35 per cent pay for junior doctors. The Government has already reached deal with nurses, ambulance staff and hospital consultants.  

The latest junior doctor strikes took place over a three-day period just before Christmas, with more industrial action set to happen for six days from January 3 to 9. 

“Other NHS staff, including consultant doctors and special hospital doctors, have accepted negotiated pay rises from the Government," said Mr Dunne.

"But junior doctors have decided to take further strike action, which local hospitals in Shropshire and Telford have warned will have an impact on local patients in South Shropshire.

"I encourage local residents to fill in our online survey and let us know what they think.” 

BMA council chair Phil Banfield said: ‘Every winter, doctors raise the alarm about the terrible effects of the NHS staffing crisis, only to be met with indifference by Whitehall. Doctors don’t want to strike; we would much rather be caring for patients than standing on picket lines.

"But we have to be honest – a health service in which pay declines in real terms every year is not a sustainable – or healthy – health service. If the Government wants patients to get the care they need and reduce the huge waiting lists, it has to invest in the expertise required to deliver this."