Don’t put off treatment during doctors’ strike, NHS tells patients
Don’t Delay Care Amid Doctors’ Strike, NHS Advises
The NHS has urged patients to proceed with their medical appointments as usual despite a six-day strike by resident doctors set to begin on Tuesday. The latest walkout, part of a prolonged pay and job conditions dispute, follows failed negotiations that ended in March. NHS leaders warned that the timing, during the end of a long bank holiday weekend, might lead to increased demand for services, which they described as “particularly challenging.” They emphasized that senior doctors and non-striking resident doctors will continue operating to ensure care remains accessible unless otherwise notified.
Strike Details and Industrial Action Context
The strike, involving tens of thousands of doctors, will span from 07:00 BST on Tuesday until shortly before 07:00 on April 13. Health Secretary Wes Streeting called the action “disappointing,” highlighting efforts to minimize service disruption. He noted that during the December strikes, the NHS managed to deliver 95% of planned activities, a figure he cited as evidence of resilience.
“The NHS is still open for business and there are still plenty of people there available to care for you.” – Prof. Ramani Moonesinghe, national clinical director for critical and perioperative care at NHS England
Dr. Jack Fletcher, head of the BMA’s resident doctors committee, acknowledged that senior doctors would cover for striking staff but added that they too were “exhausted and as demoralised as we are.” The BMA disputed NHS England’s assurance, stating the strikes “would bring disruption” regardless of contingency plans. They also criticized the government for reducing a key element of their pay deal, removing 1,000 extra training spots. The Department of Health and Social Care justified this by claiming the initiative was no longer “financially or operationally” feasible, though it would not affect the total number of doctors in the NHS.
Pay Dispute and Inflation Considerations
The government had previously offered to cover out-of-pocket costs, such as exam fees, and accelerate pay progression through five salary bands. These bands range from just below £39,000 to nearly £74,000. However, the BMA ended talks, arguing that the pay progression terms were “watered down” at the last moment. The union also pointed out that while a 3.5% pay rise was approved by an independent review body, it still left resident doctors’ pay 20% below 2008 levels when adjusted for the higher inflation measure used by the government—RPI.
Despite the ongoing disagreement, the NHS maintains that “tried and tested systems” will ensure continuity during the strike. Patients are advised to attend planned appointments unless told otherwise and seek emergency care via A&E, 111, or 999 as usual. For less urgent issues, local pharmacies or GPs are recommended. The strike underscores the critical role of resident doctors, who make up nearly half of the NHS workforce and are predominantly affiliated with the BMA.