Thousands of resident doctors are set to commence a five-day strike today following the rejection of the latest offer by the British Medical Association (BMA). About half of England’s medical workforce could walk out at 7 a.m. on Wednesday and stay away for five days as part of an ongoing dispute over pay and job security. Non-urgent appointments are expected to be postponed as hospitals deal with a rise in flu cases alongside the strike.
NHS England has urgently called on eligible individuals to get their flu vaccine as a powerful strain spreads across the country, driving cases to a record high for this time of year. A group of volunteers at the Strike Map website has compiled a searchable map showing the hospitals impacted by the strike, where individuals can also join picket lines.
Tensions between the BMA and the Government have escalated significantly after the rejection of a new offer by BMA members. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has cautioned that patient safety could be jeopardized by the walkouts, prompting accusations of “scaremongering” by the BMA, which argues that the proposed deal fails to address doctors’ pay concerns.
In light of the strike, NHS leaders have alerted the public that fewer doctors will be available, potentially leading to longer wait times for non-urgent cases as urgent situations take precedence. Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England’s national medical director, emphasized the challenges posed by the strikes amid a surge in flu-related hospitalizations.
The strike, scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, marks the 14th such action by resident doctors since 2023. Concurrently, NHS leaders have issued a pressing call for flu vaccinations to safeguard individuals during the festive season. Chief Nursing Officer for England, Duncan Burton, stressed the importance of getting vaccinated promptly to prevent illness and hospitalizations.