Keir Starmer expressed disappointment that a five-day strike by NHS doctors before Christmas will proceed as planned. The Prime Minister criticized the British Medical Association union for moving forward with the strike during a severe flu season. Despite efforts from Health Secretary Wes Streeting, BMA members rejected proposed measures to address the medical staffing crisis.
Resident doctors voted overwhelmingly to continue strike action, scheduled to start on December 17 and end on December 22. The decision comes amidst concerns about a significant flu outbreak, with hospitals in England reporting record-high flu cases for this time of year.
The BMA emphasized that the strike could be avoided if the government presented a viable solution to the ongoing staffing crisis and potential pay cuts. However, Keir Starmer denounced the timing of the strike as irresponsible, highlighting previous pay increases and the government’s proposed deal that was rejected by the BMA.
Wes Streeting criticized the BMA for choosing to strike during the Christmas period, describing it as damaging to the NHS and endangering patient safety. He urged resident doctors to reconsider their decision, emphasizing the critical need for healthcare professionals during this challenging period.
Acknowledging the strain on the NHS due to flu cases and ongoing strikes, the government and NHS are focusing on mitigation efforts to navigate through these challenges. Despite efforts to reach a resolution, the BMA’s decision to proceed with the strike was met with strong criticism for its potential impact on patient care and NHS operations.
In response to the criticism, the BMA defended its members’ decision, highlighting the need for a substantial offer from the government to address the jobs crisis and prevent pay cuts. The organization reiterated its commitment to patient safety and called for cooperation to find a mutually acceptable solution before the strike begins.