![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/junior-doctors-walkout-again-as-nhs-waiting-lists-hit-record-high-and-strikes-cost-1bn/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/picket-line-outside-university-college-837295356-1.jpg&description=LINES DRAWN Junior doctors walkout AGAIN as NHS waiting lists hit record high and strikes cost £1bn JUNIOR doctors have started their fifth strike today as NHS waiting lists hit another record high. Some 7.57million people were waiting to start treatment at the end of June, up by 100,000 in a month despite Rishi Sunak's pledge to shrink the list. 2 Junior doctors have started their fifth strike today as NHS waiting lists hit another record high Credit: PA 2 Junior doctor strike outside University College London Hospital at the start a four-day strike today Credit: PA Health chiefs warned the NHS is set for its busiest summer yet, as strikes batter efforts to reduce waits. NHS Providers estimates the strikes have already cost the health service £1billion, adding services 'could be close to a tipping point'. Steve Barclay claimed strike action by doctors "serves only to harm patients" and puts "further pressure" on their colleagues. Writing for the Daily Mail, the Health Secretary said: "I want to have a grown-up conversation about how to fix the legitimate frustrations these doctors face, and work together to improve their working lives. "Striking is not going to help anyone achieve that and ultimately it is patients that have to bear the brunt of walkouts." Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive of NHS Providers, said hospital trusts were having to "pay premium rates to consultants" to cover the roles of junior doctors while they were on picket lines. Treasury minister John Glen said the rescheduling of thousands of operations was "not good for patients" as he defended the pay offer made to those striking. He told Sky News: "We as a Government have to be responsible in the pay settlements that we give, and we listened to the Independent Pay Review body and that means giving junior doctors in their first year over 10 per cent increase." But grandstanding union bosses called for Rishi Sunak's direct involvement in pay negotiations. They suggested an email from the Prime){kind=link}
JUNIOR doctors have started their fifth strike today as NHS waiting lists hit another record high.
Some 7.57million people were waiting to start treatment at the end of June, up by 100,000 in a month despite Rishi Sunak’s pledge to shrink the list.
Health chiefs warned the NHS is set for its busiest summer yet, as strikes batter efforts to reduce waits.
NHS Providers estimates the strikes have already cost the health service £1billion, adding services “could be close to a tipping point”.
Steve Barclay claimed strike action by doctors “serves only to harm patients” and puts “further pressure” on their colleagues.