Royal Devon NHS Trust resident doctors stage five-day strike from 7am Friday

A five-day strike by resident – formerly known as junior – doctors begins tomorrow in the latest round of industrial action in a long-running dispute over pay and employment conditions.

What will be a twelfth round of strike action by resident doctors as part of its campaign for increased pay is going head following failed talks between the British Medical Association (BMA) and health secretary Wes Streeting.

The latest round of strike action was announced earlier this month following a BMA ballot held in June. 90% voted in favour of industrial action on a turnout of 55%.

The BMA campaign for increased pay began in June 2022 after a vote at its annual conference, with its first strike action taking place in March 2023.

Six more walkouts followed before a nine-day strike was held either side of Christmas, the longest strike in NHS history.

Resident doctors then took further industrial action last year, including going on strike a week before the July 2024 general elections.

Resident doctors - hospital doctors who are not consultants - make up almost half of all doctors in hospitals in England.

The latest round of strikes begins at 7am on Friday 25 July and ends at 7am on Wednesday 30 July.

Royal Devon NHS Trust advice is to attend planned appointments as normal unless you have been informed otherwise.

Emergency departments and minor injury units will remain open throughout the strike but the public are advised to visit their local pharmacy or GP for medical problems that are not critical or life-threatening.