Junior doctors say they're striking to restore pay - and save the NHS amid an exodus of medics deciding to work abroad
16.06.2023 - 05:53
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Striking junior doctors in Greater Manchester have described how their dispute isn't just about pay - it's about saving the NHS as more and more colleagues leave to get better paid jobs abroad.
They spoke out as junior doctors began a third round of strike action, walking out at 7am at hospitals across Greater Manchester in a dispute over pay.
Unions are are calling for a 35 per cent increase for junior doctors to make up for 15 years of declining pay compared to inflation. But the Government insists the demand is 'unreasonable' and has criticised the unions over the latest walkout. Health Secretary Steve Barclay said: "This 72-hour walkout will put patient safety and our efforts to cut waiting lists at risk."
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But striking doctors who have walked out say they have to act now or the situation would worsen in the NHS as more and more stressed-out colleagues leave the country to work for more money abroad.
One junior doctor, on a picket line at Salford Royal Hospital this morning, told the M.E.N: "The system is already on its knees. If we didn't strike, things would get worse."
The 27-year-old senior house officer from Salford, who declined to be named, said: "We see every day colleagues who are leaving the profession. They are getting offers that are better paid in other countries. I know at least three different close friends who are going to New Zealand and Australia for at least a year from August. It's better paid, it's sunny and it's a much better work-life balance."
He said newly qualified doctors were earning £14-per hour and that he had left medical school with £70,000 of debt.
The medic added: "There's such a lot of pressure in the