Striking junior doctors have already cost the NHS £1billion, health bosses warn as the medics take to picket lines for latest four-day walkout

Junior doctor strikes have cost the NHS around £1billion this year alone, a senior health boss claimed today.

In the 16 days medics have taken to the picket lines, cover for absent staff and making up for lost appointments has seen the health service’s bills spiral. 

Junior doctors, seeking a salary hike of 35 per cent, today began their fifth round of strike action this morning in the ongoing dispute, walking out for four days.

Some of those taking to the picket line only started working for the NHS nine days ago, having newly graduated.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive of NHS Providers said: ‘Every strike costs a huge amount to the NHS.