NATIONALISTS have called on the Welsh government to get round the table with union leaders to head off next week’s junior doctors’ strike in Wales.

Plaid Cymru’s deputy Senedd leader Delyth Jewell made the call a week before the BMA Cymru 72-hour strike next week from February 21 and 96 hours from March 25. 

“There is a real danger that successive pay cuts will drive even more doctors away from the profession at a time when patients need them most,” she said.

BMA Wales co-chairs Dr Oba Babs-Osibodu and Dr Peter Fahey said: “Wales cannot afford to lose any more doctors, and we can no longer accept the unacceptable.

“We would always be willing to return to the table if a credible offer was put forward,” the two co-chairs said.

A Welsh government spokesperson said: “It is disappointing that doctors have decided to take industrial action again, but we understand their strength of feeling about the 5 per cent pay offer.

“While we wish to address their pay restoration ambitions, our offer is at the limits of the finances available to us and reflects the position reached with the other health unions for this year.  

“Without additional funding from the UK government, we are not in a position to currently offer any more.

“We remain committed to working in social partnership with the British Medical Association and are available for further talks at any stage,” the spokesperson added.