Don’t put off treatment during doctors’ strike, NHS tells patients
Don’t put off treatment during doctors’ strike, NHS tells patients
The National Health Service has urged individuals to continue seeking necessary care despite a planned six-day walkout by resident doctors in England, set to begin on Tuesday. NHS leaders warned that while the strike may create challenges, patients should proceed with their appointments unless otherwise notified. The latest industrial action marks the 15th instance of the ongoing pay and job opportunity dispute, which has now reached a critical phase after prolonged negotiations.
Strike Impact and NHS Preparedness
Resident doctors, previously referred to as junior doctors, have decided to take part in the strike following failed talks to resolve the three-year-long disagreement. The walkout will span from 07:00 BST on Tuesday to just before 07:00 on Monday, 13 April. Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed disappointment over the strikes, emphasizing the NHS’s efforts to ensure minimal disruption. He noted that during the previous strike in December, the service managed to maintain 95% of its planned operations.
“The NHS remains open for business, and there are still plenty of people available to care for you,” stated Prof. Ramani Moonesinghe, national clinical director for critical and perioperative care at NHS England. She added, “If you have a scheduled appointment—unless it has been postponed or canceled—you should attend as usual. For emergencies, contact 111 or 999, and for less urgent issues, visit your GP or a local pharmacy.”
Union and Government Disagreements
Resident doctors comprise nearly half of the medical staff within the NHS, with two-thirds affiliated with the British Medical Association (BMA). The union argued that the strike would still cause some level of disruption, despite assurances from NHS England. Dr. Jack Fletcher, chairman of the BMA’s resident doctors committee, highlighted the strain on senior doctors who would cover for striking colleagues, noting their exhaustion and shared sense of demoralization.
“Many senior doctors will be stepping in to support us, which helps patients—but they are also tired and as demoralized as we are,” Fletcher explained. The BMA criticized the government for weakening the pay progression terms at the last minute, which had been a key point of contention in the negotiations.
Pay Offer and Financial Adjustments
Following the strike announcement, the government reversed a significant part of its earlier proposal by removing 1,000 additional training spots. This decision was justified as no longer financially or operationally viable. However, the move was expected to maintain the overall number of doctors in the NHS, as the positions would be filled from existing temporary roles. The government also offered to cover certain expenses, such as exam fees, and accelerate pay increases across five salary bands.
“The NHS is still open for business and there are still plenty of people there available to care for you,” stated Prof. Ramani Moonesinghe, national clinical director for critical and perioperative care at NHS England. She added, “If you have a scheduled appointment—unless it has been postponed or canceled—you should attend as usual. For emergencies, contact 111 or 999, and for less urgent issues, visit your GP or a local pharmacy.”
Inflation and Pay Rise Dispute
The government recently approved a 3.5% pay increase for all doctors, effective this month. While this represents a notable rise, the BMA argues that the increase still leaves resident doctors’ wages about a fifth lower than in 2008 when adjusted for inflation. The union uses the Retail Prices Index (RPI) to calculate inflation, a measure higher than the commonly referenced CPI, which they claim aligns with the government’s method of adjusting student loan interest rates.
