The first national strike from senior doctors and dentists reflects their ongoing frustration.

About 5000 members have announced a strike on September 5.

Salaried Medical Specialists Association director Sarah Dalton says members want raises to help staff keep up with inflation.

"Our members have experienced real pay cuts since 2020, when Covid landed, and they have said enough is enough. We have a known doctor shortage, Te Whatu Ora has put a number on it. They've said it's 1700 doctors, we think it's more."

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