Junior doctors in Wales have commenced a three-day strike, causing planned operations to be postponed by 80% in one health board. The strike was called by members of the British Medical Association (BMA) as a last resort to prevent more junior doctors leaving due to pay erosion. Dr Emily Sams, a general surgical trainee and a BMA Wales representative, stated that junior doctors in Wales were being offered less than those in England and Scotland, making it no longer necessary to go “halfway around the world to Australia for better pay”.
Wales has over 4,000 junior doctors, who comprise up to 40% of its total medical workforce. Almost a quarter work for the Cardiff and Vale health board, which provides a substantial amount of tertiary care, thereby implying a significant effect on planned services due to the ongoing industrial action. It is expected that outpatient appointments and operations will not take place, prepared to free up the remaining senior staff to cover shifts around the clock.
Junior doctors in Wales have already received a 5% increase from the Welsh government, which is lower than the 6% recommended by the independent remuneration body. In contrast, doctors in England have already received an 8.8% increase but have turned down an improved offer of 3%. Similarly, doctors in Scotland have agreed to an improved offer of 12.4%, whereas Northern Ireland is preparing to vote on the matter.
Health Minister Eluned Morgan assured the public that urgent and life-threatening care would continue to be provided, while expressing disappointment at the BMA’s decision. Morgan noted that the pay award offered to junior doctors was the best possible, given the limits of the finances available, and attempts were being made to convince the UK government to pass on necessary funding for public sector workers’ full and equitable pay rises. Industrial action by England’s junior doctors was highlighted in the news throughout 2023, with six days of strikes at the beginning of the year, but this is the first time their Welsh colleagues have taken to the picket line
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