Junior Doctors Stage First All Out NHS Strike

The transcript discusses a strike by junior doctors at the Royal Blackburn Hospital, highlighting the impact on patient care and hospital operations. The strike is part of a long-standing dispute over a new contract imposed by the government, which doctors fear will lead to excessive working hours and reduced pay for weekend work. The strike has led to contingency plans being tested, with some operations postponed and staff redeployed. Public support for the strike has waned slightly, but many still back the doctors. The government argues for more doctors on weekends to ensure patient safety. Despite the strike, hospitals must now manage the backlog of canceled procedures.

What was a significant change in the junior doctors' strike at the Royal Blackburn Hospital?

• Involvement of nurses

• Involvement of administrative staff

• Involvement of emergency care and maternity staff

• Involvement of senior doctors

How did the hospital manage the shortage of staff during the strike?

• By closing the hospital temporarily

• By hiring temporary staff

• By postponing outpatient clinics and routine operations

• By reducing patient intake

What was the public's reaction to the junior doctors' strike?

• Mixed reactions with some support for the doctors

• Complete support for the government

• Indifference towards the strike

• Complete opposition to the doctors

What is the government's argument for needing more doctors on weekends?

• To provide more training opportunities

• To reduce costs

• To make patient care safer

• To increase hospital revenue

What percentage of doctors failed to report for duty on the first day of the strike?

• 50%

• 78%

• 95%

• 88%