Docs strike 'could drag on for a year'

NHS bosses tell Barclay to get round table as he refuses talks

- MARTIN BAGOT

NHS bosses have blasted the Tory Government for refusing to negotiate with junior doctors, warning strikes could drag on into next year.

Around 60,000 junior doctors walked out yesterday and will not return until 7am on Saturday, making it the most disruptive strike in NHS history.

Their action comes amid reports the British Medical Association could continue escalating strikes all the way through to the next general election if ministers refuse to start talks.

Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents NHS trusts, said: "At the moment it feels as though the BMA and the Government are repeating their starting positions.

"That is your starting position, now get into negotiation. We're having to cancel hundreds of thousands of outpatient appointments and operations.

"You can't take out half your medical workforce and not have an impact on patient safety, on patient dignity."