Is there a junior doctor’s strike today? Why are NHS workers walking out?

Thousands of junior doctors in England went on strike today in what has been described as the ‘most disruptive’ strike in the NHS’s 75-year history.

The strike is part of a growing row between the British Medical Association (BMA), which represents doctors, and the government over pay. The union, which planned the 96-hour strike, is demanding a 35 percent salary increase.

As a result, up to 350,000 appointments and surgeries are expected to be cancelled.

Officials have urged the public to only dial 999 or go to the emergency room in genuine emergencies and to avoid anything “risky.”

Here, MailOnline answered important questions about the strikes.

What should I do if I am sick today?

Those with a life-threatening emergency should call 999. The ambulance service works normally and hospitals give priority to emergencies.

And Britons with serious injuries have to go to the emergency room.

Health chiefs have urged the public to “think twice” about whether to call 999 or come to the emergency room.

NHS 111 online should be the ‘first port of call’ for all non-urgent needs.

Most other conditions can be treated at pharmacies or by a GP, health bosses say.

Will my appointment be cancelled?

Up to 350,000 appointments and surgeries are expected to be canceled this week because of the strikes.

Many patients have already been told that their consultation or surgery has been cancelled, while others will be informed in the coming days.

Ambulatory patients are most affected.

However, if a patient has not been contacted by their local NHS, they must attend their appointment as scheduled.

The NHS has told hospitals to reschedule canceled appointments as soon as possible, but admits it will take weeks to recover from this.

What kind of “risky” behavior should I avoid?

NHS Confederation CEO Matthew Taylor this week urged Britons to ‘avoid risky behaviour’.

He gave no examples of activities people should avoid.

Official NHS advice recommends taking ‘simple steps during union action’ to help people look after themselves, loved ones and the vulnerable.

It advises taking ‘sensible measures’ to avoid ending up in the emergency room, such as drinking responsibly and stocking up on medicines.

Do junior doctors REALLY make £14 an hour?

Junior doctors can earn £29,384 in the first year of basic training, which they begin after completing their medical degree.

It is part of their training and includes 40-hour work weeks during which they perform a series of rotations within a hospital in various specialties.

This works out to about £14.13 per hour.

However, the most experienced junior doctors earn £58,398 a year.

This equates to £28 per hour, on a 40-hour work week.

Medics can increase their salary by choosing to work overtime and their hourly rate is increased for night and weekend work.

After about six to eight years as a physician assistant, medics can become consultants, earning £120,000 for a 40-hour work week.

At this point, they can also choose to work extra hours and take on management or teaching responsibilities to further increase their pay.

Will there be more strikes?

No further strike dates have been announced by the BMA, which is coordinating the strike action.

However, union sources have suggested that young doctors’ strikes could continue until the next general election, expected to take place in the fall of 2024.

And Dr Vivek Trivedi, co-chair of the BMA committee on junior doctors, warned today that the union “reserves the right to further industrial action” if the government does not negotiate.