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

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

The NHS has advised patients to proceed with their required care as planned, even as a six-day strike by resident doctors in England begins on Tuesday. This is the 15th walkout in a dispute over wages and professional opportunities, which follows stalled negotiations at the end of March. NHS managers warn that the strike, occurring after a lengthy bank holiday, could lead to increased demand for services, posing a significant challenge.

Although tens of thousands of doctors will participate in the strike from 07:00 BST on Tuesday until 07:00 on Monday, 13 April, those not involved will continue working. Officials stress that patients should attend appointments unless notified of delays. Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the strikes as “disappointing” but emphasized efforts to safeguard patients and staff by reducing service interruptions.

Resident doctors, previously known as junior doctors, have called the strike after negotiations failed to resolve the ongoing three-year dispute. The British Medical Association (BMA) has noted that despite NHS assurances, the strike will cause some disruption. Dr. Jack Fletcher, chairman of the BMA’s resident doctors committee, stated: “Senior doctors will be covering for us, which helps patients, but they are also exhausted and as demoralized as we are.”

Prof Ramani Moonesinghe, national clinical director for critical and perioperative care at NHS England, assured that “tried and tested systems” ensure health services remain operational during industrial action. She urged patients to follow their usual procedures: contact 111 or 999 for emergencies, visit A&E, or consult a GP or local pharmacy for less urgent matters. Resident doctors constitute nearly half the NHS workforce, with two-thirds belonging to the BMA.

The government’s decision to withdraw 1,000 training places from its offer to resident doctors sparked criticism. The Department of Health and Social Care cited financial and operational constraints, yet clarified that the posts would be filled from existing temporary roles. This move coincided with the government accepting an independent pay review recommending a 3.5% raise for all doctors, effective this month.

While the pay increase marks a third of a rise over four years, the BMA argues it still leaves resident doctors 20% behind 2008 levels when adjusted for inflation. The union uses the Retail Prices Index (RPI) to measure inflation, matching the government’s method for calculating student loan interest. The strike highlights tensions over fair compensation and working conditions, with the NHS aiming to maintain service continuity despite the disruption.