Don’t put off treatment during doctors’ strike, NHS tells patients

Don’t Delay Care Amid Doctors’ Strike, NHS Advises Patients

The National Health Service (NHS) has urged patients to continue accessing medical care as resident doctors in England begin a six-day strike on Tuesday. This is the 15th walkout in a prolonged pay and working conditions dispute, which has intensified following failed negotiations at the end of March. NHS leaders warn that the timing—immediately after a long bank holiday—could lead to heightened demand, posing challenges for services.

Strike Impact and NHS Response

Despite the walkout, senior medical professionals will remain on duty to cover for striking resident doctors. Patients are encouraged to attend scheduled appointments unless notified otherwise. Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the strikes as “disappointing” but emphasized efforts to safeguard patient and staff well-being by reducing service interruptions.

“The NHS is still open for business and there are still plenty of people there available to care for you,” said Prof. Ramani Moonesinghe, national clinical director for critical and perioperative care at NHS England. “If you have a planned appointment—unless you have been specifically told it’s postponed or cancelled—attend as expected. For emergencies, dial 111 or 999, or visit A&E. For less urgent issues, consult your GP or a local pharmacy.”

Resident doctors, who comprise nearly half of NHS staff, will be absent from Tuesday until just before Monday, 13 April. The British Medical Association (BMA) highlighted that disruptions are inevitable, even with assurances that most services will remain operational. Dr. Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA’s resident doctors committee, noted that while senior doctors are stepping in, they face similar exhaustion and morale issues.

Pay Dispute and Government Actions

The strike follows the government’s decision to revoke 1,000 additional training spots for resident doctors, citing financial and operational constraints. However, this move does not reduce the total number of medical professionals in the NHS, as these roles will be filled from existing temporary positions. The offer also included covering personal costs, like exam fees, and accelerating pay increases across five salary bands.

Although a 3.5% pay rise was agreed upon for all doctors this month, the BMA argues that resident doctors still earn 20% less than in 2008 when adjusted for inflation. The union uses the Retail Prices Index (RPI) to measure inflation, which it claims aligns with the government’s method for calculating student loan interest. This discrepancy has fueled ongoing tensions over fair compensation.

Historical Context and Current Stance

During the December strikes, the NHS managed to maintain 95% of its planned activities. Yet, the latest walkout has reignited concerns about service reliability. The BMA maintains that the pay progression terms were weakened at the last moment, leaving key demands unmet. While the pay raise reflects a 33% increase over four years, inflation-adjusted figures show a more modest gain, highlighting the union’s dissatisfaction with the settlement.