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Junior doctor strikes led to nearly 15,000 rescheduled appointments at local NHS trust

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Since December 2022, almost 15,000 appointments have been rescheduled due to strikes at the East Suffolk and North Essex Trust as junior doctors vote to accept a new pay deal.

Why it matters: The strikes have significantly impacted local healthcare services with:

  • 14,612 total appointments rescheduled

  • 13,940 acute appointments affected

  • 10,192 working days lost

The big picture: Since late 2022, over 1.5 million appointments have been rescheduled, and more than a million working days have been lost due to NHS strikes across England.

Junior doctors strike
Junior doctors strike

What's new: Junior doctors have voted to accept the government's latest pay offer, potentially ending the long-running dispute.

  • 66% of junior doctors voted in favour of the deal

  • Pay will rise by an average of 4.05% for 2023-24, backdated to April 2023

  • An additional 6% pay rise, plus £1,000, will take effect from April 2024

By the numbers:

  • A doctor starting foundation training will see base pay increase to £36,600, up from about £32,400

  • A full-time doctor entering speciality training will see pay rise to £49,900 from about £43,900

What they're saying:

Dr Trivedi, co-chairman of the BMA's Junior Doctors Committee, told BBC Breakfast: "This is the first step towards restoring pay, which is all that doctors have wanted since the beginning of this campaign."

Health Secretary Wes Streeting called the deal a "necessary first step" to cutting waiting lists and reforming the health service.

The bottom line: While the pay deal marks progress, Dr Trivedi noted that "the journey is not over" in addressing junior doctors' concerns about pay and working conditions.

Sources

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'Cash for jewellery' traders targeting Rushmere St Andrew residents

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Reports have emerged of doorstep traders approaching properties in Rushmere St Andrew, asking residents if they want to sell jewellery items.

Why it matters: Unsolicited doorstep buyers may not offer fair value for items and could potentially be "rogue" traders who disappear with valuables.

Jewellery scam
Reports have emerged of doorstep traders approaching properties in Rushmere St Andrew, asking residents if they want to sell jewellery itemsIpswich.co.uk

The details: Officials are advising residents to follow three key safety steps if considering selling jewellery:

  • Shop around: Start locally by contacting a reputable jeweller to estimate your item's value before soliciting online bids or other offers.

  • Beware 'rogue' buyers: Exercise caution about whom you sell to. If you must leave jewellery with someone for a quote, ensure they're trustworthy and will be available when you return.

  • Read the small print: Check terms and conditions carefully, paying attention to potential hidden charges such as refining fees, postage fees and appraisal fees.

What to do: Report any concerns with traders to Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

The bottom line: Getting multiple valuations from established local jewellers before considering doorstep offers helps ensure residents receive fair value for their items.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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