Junior doctors started their five-day strike today with public support in Watford split.

The British Medical Association (BMA) is asking for pay restoration of around 35%, which it claims would restore junior doctors’ pay to around 2008/2009 salary levels.

Staff who took to the picket line outside Watford General Hospital told the Watford Observer that industrial action was a last resort. 

They feel the government has not listened to their arguments, leaving them with no other options.

Junior doctor Mayu Teranaka, 30, said: “We are haemorrhaging staff. The job needs to be more attractive. We need more staff to provide more patient care.”

Watford Observer: Mayu TeranakaMayu Teranaka (Image: Newsquest)

The medical registrar said she understands people will be concerned about patient safety while the strikes are taking place, but maintained they will be safe and “appointments and treatments are cancelled even when there aren’t strikes due to funding issues”.

She added: “There are stories that during the last strike there were 10-hour delays in A&E, but that happens even when we aren’t striking.”

One foundation doctor said she will be moving abroad next year to earn more money.

She said: “I’m nearly 30 and I am living in a house with six other people. I eat my meals in my room.

“I can’t afford a car to go to work. My commute is an hour and a half.”

Members of the public told the Observer they agreed that doctors should be paid more but were not sure if striking was the best option.

Sylvia Fullylove, 85, who lives in Carpenders Park, said: “They deserve their pay rise, but I am not quite sure I agree with striking.”

Watford Observer: Sylvia FullyloveSylvia Fullylove (Image: Newsquest)

It was a similar view from Paul Edwards, 68, who lives in Holywell.

He said: “I’m worried they will shoot themselves in the foot.

Watford Observer: Paul EdwardsPaul Edwards (Image: Newsquest)

“After all the good they have done with Covid, this is spoiling it. But they deserve their pay rise.”

But the doctors received full backing from Randit Duhra, 82, who lives in Holywell.

She said: “I come to the hospital for my ear problems, and I agree with the strike.”

Watford Observer: Randit DuhraRandit Duhra (Image: Newsquest)

Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said the BMA’s pay demand was “unreasonable and risks fuelling inflation”.

He added he will talk with the BMA if they reduce their pay demands and stop the strikes.