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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Clea Skopeliti and Andrew Gregory

Medical students urged to fill gaps when junior doctors strike in England

NHS Steve Barclay England
An NHS hospital ward at Ealing Hospital in London. The revelation sparked immediate condemnation from doctors’ unions, who raised concerns about safety.
An NHS hospital ward at Ealing hospital in London. The revelation sparked immediate condemnation from doctors’ unions, who raised concerns about safety. Photograph: Jeff Moore/PA

Unqualified medical students are being urged to provide clinical support in English hospitals when tens of thousands of junior doctors go on strike this month, the Guardian can reveal.

The NHS faces the prospect of unprecedented disruption to services from 13 March when junior doctors strike for 72 hours in an increasingly bitter row over pay, morale and safe staffing levels.

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