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Junior doctors in Wales have begun their four-day strike action in a dispute over pay.

Doctors’ union BMA Cymru Wales argue that junior doctors in Wales have experienced a pay cut of 29.6% in real terms over the last 15 years.

The 96-hour walkout, which is the third round of industrial action from junior doctors, began at 7am on Monday March 25.

It will continue until 7am on Friday March 29.

The BMA has said more than 3,000 doctors with up to 11 years experience are expected to strike across Wales this week.

The BMA has rejected the 5% uplift for consultants, junior, and specialty and associate specialist (SAS) doctors. Consultants and SAS doctors also agreed to vote on strike action last year.

“Left with no choice”

In a joint-statement, Dr Oba Babs-Osibodu and Dr Peter Fahey, co-chairs of BMA Cymru Wales’ Junior Doctors Committee, said: “It’s extremely sad and frustrating that we find ourselves here again, our third strike and our longest yet.

“We don’t want to be in this position but again, faced with inaction, we are left with no choice.”

The co-chairs said the strikes can be called off at any time, if the Welsh Government puts forward a “credible pay offer to form the basis of talks”.

They continued: “Whilst we continue to be undervalued and disregarded for our work in the health service, our resolve to restore our pay remains unbroken. Enough is enough.

“Junior doctors are starting their careers earning £13.65 an hour in Wales. Is that all they are worth? They are providing life-saving care after training for years and are shouldering up to £100,000 of debt.”

Vowing to continue the “fight for fair pay for all doctors working in the NHS”, they added: “Losing our doctors at a time when waiting lists are at record highs will mean patients suffering more than they are already.”

“Disruptive to patients”

Dr James Calvert, medical director at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, warned the strikes will be “far more disruptive to patients than we would want” – and said services will be left “enormously stretched”.

Dr Calvert explained how, due to the strikes falling during the Easter holidays, it’s been more difficult to get staffing cover, something he said will “undoubtedly impact on the timeliness of the patient care we are able to deliver”.

He apologised for the disruption, but urged residents to avoid going to hospital unless “absolutely necessary”.

Dr Calvert continued: “Those that do require urgent hospital care will be seen according to the severity of their condition, but waits may be exceptionally long in the emergency department and on our medical assessment units for other patients.

“Our ward patients will be covered by a doctor but staff may not be as available to have discussions with family as we would wish.”

Patients who are “very unwell” should still go to the Grange University Hospital, Dr Calvert said, adding: “GP surgeries will be working normally and treatment for minor ailments will also be available from local pharmacies.

“If people are unsure where would be best to go to seek help, then please call NHS 111.”

Anyone with a pre-booked appointment is still advised to attend as normal during the strike, unless contacted to say otherwise.