Don’t put off treatment during doctors’ strike, NHS tells patients
Don’t Delay Treatment Amid Doctors’ Strike, NHS Advises
The National Health Service (NHS) has urged patients to continue with their medical care as a six-day strike by resident doctors in England begins on Tuesday. NHS leaders warn that the strike, which follows a prolonged pay dispute, could lead to heightened demand during the weekend, though they insist services will remain operational. Senior doctors not participating in the walkout will cover for their striking counterparts, and patients are encouraged to attend scheduled appointments unless notified otherwise.
Strike Details and Timing
The latest strike, involving tens of thousands of doctors, spans from 07:00 BST on Tuesday until just before 07:00 on Monday, 13 April. This marks the 15th walkout in the ongoing conflict over wages and career prospects. Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the action as “disappointing” but emphasized efforts to safeguard healthcare delivery and reduce service interruptions.
Impact of the Strike
Despite assurances from NHS England that most services will remain unaffected, the British Medical Association (BMA) highlighted potential disruptions. Dr. Jack Fletcher, chairman of the BMA’s resident doctors committee, noted that while senior doctors will support patients, they are also facing exhaustion and shared concerns about morale. Prof. Ramani Moonesinghe, national clinical director for critical care, stated: “The NHS has robust systems in place to ensure services stay safe during industrial action. We are open for business, and there are enough staff available to care for you.”
“If you have a planned appointment—unless you’ve been specifically told it’s postponed or cancelled—you should attend as usual. For emergencies or urgent conditions, follow your usual steps: call 111 or 999 for urgent care, visit A&E, or consult your GP or local pharmacy for less critical issues.”
Background of the Pay Dispute
The strike follows a breakdown in negotiations over pay, which had been stalled for three years. The government had previously offered 1,000 additional training places for resident doctors, but this was rescinded after talks ended in March. The Department of Health and Social Care cited financial and operational challenges, though the move won’t reduce the total number of doctors in the NHS, as the roles would be filled from existing temporary positions.
Alongside the training places, the government also promised to cover certain expenses, like exam fees, and accelerate pay increases across five salary bands. However, the BMA ended discussions, criticizing the pay progression terms as being “watered down” at the last minute. The union also pointed out that the government’s acceptance of a 3.5% pay rise for all doctors, including resident physicians, hasn’t fully addressed long-term wage concerns.
Pay Progression and Inflation Measures
While the pay raise means resident doctors have seen a third increase in the past four years, the BMA argues it still falls short of 2008 levels when adjusted for inflation. The union uses the Retail Price Index (RPI) to calculate inflation, a measure higher than others, to reflect the government’s method of calculating student loan interest. This discrepancy has fueled ongoing dissatisfaction among the doctors.
Resident doctors constitute nearly half of the NHS workforce, with two-thirds affiliated with the BMA. The strike underscores the broader tensions between healthcare professionals and the government over fair compensation and working conditions.
