Junior doctors on the Isle of Wight are taking part in four days of strikes in a dispute over pay.

Members of the British Medical Association (BMA) are standing in picket lines outside hospitals.

The BMA claims that, due to pay rises falling below inflation, junior doctors in England have seen a 26 per cent real-terms pay cut since 2008/09.

March saw the first round of strikes. Island junior doctors held placards outside St Mary's Hospital.

Last time, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust issued the following advice: 

  • Any patients with appointments who will be affected by the industrial action will be contacted.
  • If you do not hear from the hospital, attend your appointment as planned.
  • If you need medical care please contact your GP as usual. You can also call NHS 111 or visit NHS 111 Online.

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: “It is extremely disappointing the BMA has called strike action for four consecutive days.

“Not only will the walkouts risk patient safety, but they have also been timed to maximise disruption after the Easter break.

“I hoped to begin formal pay negotiations with the BMA last month but its demand for a 35% pay rise is unreasonable – it would result in some junior doctors receiving a pay rise of over £20,000.


Striking doctors outside St Mary's last month (March).

“If the BMA is willing to move significantly from this position and cancel strikes we can resume confidential talks and find a way forward, as we have done with other unions.

“People should attend appointments unless told otherwise by the NHS, continue to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency and use NHS 111 online services for non-urgent health needs.”

Union members have previously said they were prepared to enter talks with the government and suspend strikes, if members were presented with a 'credible' pay offer.