Don’t put off treatment during doctors’ strike, NHS tells patients
Don’t Delay Care: NHS Advises Amid Doctors’ Strike
The NHS has urged patients not to postpone necessary medical attention as a six-day walkout by resident doctors in England begins on Tuesday. This is the 15th strike in a pay and job opportunity dispute, following the long bank holiday weekend.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said the strikes are “disappointing” and emphasized focusing on patient and staff safety by minimizing service disruption.
Tens of thousands of doctors will be involved in the strike from 07:00 BST on Tuesday until just before 07:00 on Monday, 13 April. NHS managers warned of a potential surge in demand, which they consider “particularly challenging.”
Senior doctors and those not participating in the strike will continue working, so patients should attend appointments unless notified of changes. The latest action by resident doctors, previously known as junior doctors, was called after talks to resolve the three-year dispute ended in March.
Pay Dispute and Government’s Offer
The government had previously offered 1,000 additional training places but withdrew them, citing financial and operational feasibility. However, this move won’t affect the total number of doctors in the NHS, as the positions will be filled from existing temporary roles.
The Department of Health and Social Care noted the plans were no longer “financially or operationally” possible.
Alongside the training posts, the government had also offered to cover some out-of-pocket expenses, such as exam fees, as well as ensuring faster pay progression through five salary bands. Pay starts at just below £39,000 and rises to nearly £74,000.
Union’s Stance and Pay Progression
The BMA argues the pay progression terms were “watered down” at the last minute. Despite a 3.5% pay rise for all doctors this month, the union claims resident doctors’ pay is still a fifth below 2008 levels when considering inflation.
The BMA uses the RPI inflation measure, which is higher than others, aligning with the government’s method for student loan interest calculations.
Resident doctors make up nearly half the medics working in the NHS, with two-thirds belonging to the BMA. The union’s decision to end negotiations highlights concerns over the financial offer’s adequacy.