Thousands of patients across England are facing severe disruption and cancelled care after resident doctors began a five-day walkout this morning. The industrial action, which started at 7am on Wednesday, could lead to the postponement of as many as 70,000 operations and appointments in a single week.
Strike Action Amid a 'Worst Case Scenario'
The timing of the strike has sparked significant concern, as it coincides with a record-breaking surge in flu cases and staff holidays over the festive period. Health leaders have warned this creates a 'worst case scenario' for the NHS, with more patients likely to feel the impact compared to previous walkouts. Up to half of the medical workforce in England could stop working, forcing hospitals to prioritise only the most urgent cases.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England's national medical director, stated: 'These strikes come at an immensely challenging time for the NHS, with record numbers of patients in hospital with flu for this time of year.' She added that while staff would work hard to provide safe care, more patients would be affected than during the last two rounds of strikes.
Patients Face Festive Agony and Discharge Delays
The consequences for patients are stark. Many will be forced to endure Christmas and New Year in prolonged agony, with no guarantee of when their postponed treatment might be rescheduled. Others already in hospital, or admitted in the coming days, could face such significant discharge delays that they fail to make it home in time for festive celebrations.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, highlighted the profound impact on older people. She said a postponed 'non-urgent' operation or consultation 'may look 'non-urgent' on paper, but that's not how it will feel to an older person who is anxious and in pain, who has already waited months'.
Pay Dispute and Political Fallout
The strike involves thousands of medics, formerly known as junior doctors, who are walking out until 7am on Monday in pursuit of a 26 per cent pay rise. Hopes of a last-minute resolution were dashed on Monday when members of the British Medical Association (BMA) rejected a fresh offer from the Government.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting accused the striking doctors of 'abandoning patients in their hour of greatest need', claiming their rejection of the new deal showed a 'shocking disregard for patient safety'. Meanwhile, Health Minister Stephen Kinnock accused the BMA of timing the action to 'inflict as much damage as they can' on the NHS.
Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA's resident doctors committee, countered that the strike was a result of 'hurried, last-minute offers' from ministers. He called for a 'genuinely long-term plan' to restore pay and create new jobs, warning that without it, the 'cycle of strikes' would continue well into the New Year.
The NHS has issued an urgent plea for the public to get vaccinated against flu and to use services wisely, prioritising 999 for emergencies and using 111 online for other concerns. With fewer doctors on duty, those with non-urgent needs are likely to face longer waits as the health service battles through a perfect storm of industrial action and seasonal pressure.
