The BMA rejected a last-minute plea by five national organisations, including Age UK and the Patients Association, for the strike action to be downgraded to a partial walkout, with some emergency cover provided by junior doctors. Consultants and specialist doctors would provide life-and-limb cover, the union said.
![Disruption warning as junior doctor strikes return Disruption warning as junior doctor strikes return](https://i0.wp.com/ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/0211/production/_132092500_doctorstrike.jpg?fit=%2C&ssl=1)