RICHARD Madeley has been accused of “scare-mongering” Good Morning Britain viewers over junior doctors’ strikes.
The presenter came under fire for his line of questioning as 30,000 NHS junior doctors walk out in a four-day strike in a row over pay.
Speaking to Doctor Hilary Jones, Richard said: “Assume in ten minutes’ time I fell off my chair with a heart attack.
“Am I going to get the same treatment at the nearest hospital as I would have got a week ago?”
“No you’re not,” Dr Hilary said.
“You’re going to be in a queue with others in the same situation.
“This is disruptive. This is dangerous. It’s never been more dangerous.”
Richard then asked: “So are people going to die today as a result of this strike action? As a direct result?”
Dr Hilary replied: “Yes, yes I believe they are.”
“They are striking as much to save the NHS as they are to increase their pay,” he added.
One angry viewer ranted: “Richard Madeley ramping up the overly dramatic scaremongering on how many people will die because of the junior doctors strike over the next 4 days. Irresponsible and childish as always.”
Another told him: “You are missing the point. If you had a heart attack on a normal day, the risk of you dying is raised compared to previously due to lack of staff and no access to services because poor staff retention. This is what the #JuniorDoctorsStrikes are about.”
Someone else suggested: “Maybe your GMB presenters should live off the same wage as junior doctors before they start criticising or trying to condemn their strike.”
A viewer said: “Get that f***ing Madeley off TV. He’s a thick as s*** f***ing gobs****.”
Strike action is set to take place From April 11 on 6.59am and will last until Saturday April 15 at 6.59am lasting 96 hours.
Health chiefs warn it will be the worst strike in NHS history, with wards and clinics dangerously short-staffed and 350,000 appointments and operations facing cancellation.
