**Double doctors' strike - what you need to know**


Junior and senior doctors in England are set to stage their first joint strike in the history of the NHS on 19-20 September and 2-4 October 2023. The strike is in protest over the government's refusal to negotiate over doctors' salaries.


**Why are doctors striking?**


Doctors are striking because they have not had a pay rise in real terms since 2008. They say that their salaries have fallen by over 20% in real terms over the past decade, and that they are struggling to make ends meet.


Doctors also say that they are overworked and understaffed. They say that they are regularly working long hours, and that they are unable to provide the best possible care for their patients.


**What will the strike mean for patients?**


The strike is expected to have a significant impact on the NHS. Many hospitals and other services will be operating at reduced capacity, and some patients may have their appointments or treatments cancelled.


The NHS has said that it will do everything it can to minimize the impact of the strike on patients. However, it has warned that patients should expect some disruption to services.


**What can patients do to prepare for the strike?**


Patients should check with their hospital or GP surgery to see if their appointment or treatment is affected by the strike. If it is, they should ask for an alternative appointment or treatment.


Patients should also make sure that they have enough medication to last them through the strike period.


**What is the government doing to resolve the dispute?**


The government has said that it is committed to resolving the dispute with doctors. However, it has also said that it is unable to afford to give doctors a pay rise that is in line with their demands.


The government has offered doctors a 5% pay rise, but this has been rejected by the British Medical Association (BMA), the union that represents doctors.


The BMA is calling for a 12% pay rise for doctors. The union says that this is necessary to restore doctors' salaries to their pre-2008 level.


It is unclear how the dispute will be resolved. However, it is clear that the double doctors' strike is a significant event that will have a major impact on the NHS.