As a junior doctor, the 2023 strikes have been a heart-wrenching experience. We never imagined that we would have to take to the streets to fight for fair working conditions and a liveable wage. But after years of being overworked and undervalued, we had no other choice.
We are the backbone of the healthcare system, yet we are often treated as disposable resources. We work long hours, night shifts, and weekends, without adequate compensation or rest. This takes a toll on our mental and physical health, leaving us burnt out and struggling to provide the best care for our patients.
The strikes have been emotionally draining, but we know that it’s necessary to demand change. We are fighting not just for ourselves, but for the future of the NHS and the patients we serve. We hope that our voices will be heard, and that the government and healthcare institutions will take our demands seriously. The road ahead may be difficult, but we will continue to fight until we are treated with the respect and dignity that we deserve as healthcare professionals.