The vast majority of resident doctors have defied strike calls by militant union chiefs determined to wreak havoc in NHS hospitals, figures revealed tonight.
Official statistics from health bosses show a huge drop in the numbers who joined last week's five-day walkout, with two-thirds of medics snubbing the order.
The news is likely to prove deeply embarrassing for union leaders, who are demanding that resident doctors – formerly known as junior doctors – receive a salary rise of 29 per cent to reverse 'pay erosion' since 2008.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting heaped praise on the strike refuseniks, saying: 'Due to the dedication of NHS staff and a different operational approach from previous strikes, we have managed to significantly reduce disruption to patients, with early indications showing that 10,000 extra patients received care compared with previous strike action.
'A majority of resident doctors didn't vote for strike action and data shows that less than a third took part.'
