Junior doctors are set to strike this week, despite winning little public sympathy with their demand for a 29 per cent pay rise. Doctors in their self-righteous mode – as many recently have been over this – are insufferable. I sympathise with their situation, but they should do themselves a favour – and get back to work.

I will be one of the consultants covering shifts for the juniors, and I am looking forward to doing so. Never having worked in an elective speciality, weekends and public holidays, like evenings and nights, have always been part of my working life. My speciality never closes its doors or takes a break. Reading of the tussle between the government and the British Medical Association (BMA) about whether elective work should continue over the strike period – some consultants appear to regard it as unthinkable they should cover their own juniors – leaves me sympathising with the government.

For most of us covering the strikes, the shifts will not be arduous. The level of cover will be generous and the hourly pay higher than normal. More........

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