JUNIOR doctors are routinely “working over and above their rostered hours” covering for a burnt-out workforce while missing breaks, a report from the Whittington has said ahead of a three day strike next week.

A report to the NHS hospital trust’s board said “there continues to be high levels of fatigue and burnout amongst all staff and the hard work and resilience of junior doctors is to be commended”.

Exhaustion in the ranks has led to “significant staff shortages across all training grades due to high levels of sickness”, the report added.

The British Medical Association’s junior doctors strike action – a dispute over pay – has added to delays for some patients being referred for non-urgent operations and diagnostic tests.

The three day action begins at 7am on Friday and patients whose appointments are cancelled will hear by letter or text.

Health secretary Steve Barclay has said he will not move on the government’s 6 per cent pay offer.