Health Secretary Maintains Optimism Amid Resident Doctors' Strike
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has declared he has "not given up hope" on securing a deal with resident doctors, even as a six-day strike by medics enters its final stages. The industrial action, which will continue into the weekend, is set to conclude at 6.59am on Monday, marking a critical juncture in the long-running dispute.
Government's Final Offer and Union's Rejection
Prior to the walkout, the British Medical Association (BMA) rejected a government offer that included a 4.9% increase in average basic pay. Mr Streeting told the Press Association that the union "walked away" from what he described as a good deal. He emphasised that the government has reached its limit in terms of concessions, citing broader economic pressures.
"They have got to recognise that given the challenges we face in the NHS, the challenges we face right across our public services, how hard-pressed taxpayers are at the moment, and the instability and uncertainty in the world, there is only so much this Government can do in such a short space of time," Mr Streeting stated.
Call for Compromise and Acknowledgment of Gains
Mr Streeting highlighted that resident doctors have been the "standout winners" under the Labour Government in less than two years, but stressed the need for compromise. "There's got to be a bit of give and take here. Resident doctors have had a good deal, but they're not the only NHS staff," he said.
He further explained, "The NHS is the most important public service for this Labour Government, but it's not the only public service. So, in order to get the country through these challenges, we are going to have to compromise. The Government has shown compromise, that offer, that deal's on the table. I need resident doctors, the BMA, to come back next week and accept that compromise."
Financial Impact and NHS Resilience
The current strike is the 15th round of industrial action by resident doctors in England since 2023, with an estimated cost of £300 million to the NHS. Collectively, strikes have cost over £3 billion. Despite this, Mr Streeting reported that the NHS is "coping" with the disruption.
"We're doing everything we can to maintain planned care, we're keeping urgent and emergency services there for people, and people are coming forward in the way that we want them to, so that's all encouraging," he said. However, he acknowledged the significant disruption and enormous costs, noting, "This is going to end up being £300 million that could have been put in doctors' pockets, and in other areas of patient care, and support other staff in the NHS."
Path Forward and Continued Negotiations
Mr Streeting reiterated his commitment to resolving the dispute, saying, "I have not given up hope that we will be able to get a deal with resident doctors. We have gone, as a government, as far as we can." The statement underscores the government's stance while leaving the door open for further discussions as the strike nears its end.
