Up to half of the medical workforce in England could stop work at 7am on Wednesday and not return for five days as part of a long-running dispute over pay and jobs
Thousands of resident doctors will begin five days of strike action today after the British Medical Association (BMA) rejected the Government’s latest offer.
Up to half of the medical workforce in England could stop work at 7am on Wednesday and not return for five days as part of a long-running dispute over pay and jobs. Non-urgent appointments are likely to be cancelled as hospitals grapple with a surge in flu cases alongside the industrial action.
It comes as NHS England issued an urgent plea for eligible people to get their flu vaccine amid warnings of a super strain sweeping the nation, with cases hitting a record level for this time of year.
Volunteers at the Strike Map website have pulled together a searchable map of hospitals affected by the strike action, where you can also join a picket line.
STRIKE MAP WIDGET: Search your postcode to find out if your local hospital is affected
Relations between the Government and the BMA have deteriorated dramatically after a fresh offer was rejected by its members – with Health Secretary Wes Streeting warning that patient safety could be compromised by the walkouts. The BMA has accused the Government of “scaremongering” and argued the deal “does nothing to restore pay for doctors”.
NHS leaders have warned the public that fewer doctors will be working during the strike, so people with non-urgent concerns may need to wait longer as urgent cases are prioritised.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England’s national medical director, said: “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.
“Staff will come together as they always do, going above and beyond to provide safe care for patients and limit disruption, but sadly more patients are likely to feel the impact of this round of strikes than in the previous two – and staff who are covering will not get the Christmas break they deserve with their families.
“It is vital that the public continue to come forward for their appointments over the next few days unless they are contacted by the NHS and told otherwise – but inevitably some appointments will have to be rescheduled.
“It’s really important the public play their part by coming forward for care in the usual way – by dialling 999 in an emergency and otherwise using 111 online, your local pharmacist or GP.”
The five-day strike, which starts at 7am on Wednesday, is the 14th by resident doctors since 2023.
Meanwhile, NHS leaders issued an “urgent plea” for people to get vaccinated against flu.
Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said: “The last thing anyone wants is for them or their loved ones to be unwell or hospitalised over the festive season, so if you don’t want your new year ruined – this is your last chance to get vaccinated in time.
“This is an urgent plea from the NHS – please come forward for your flu jab now and get protected.”