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

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

The National Health Service (NHS) has urged patients to continue with their medical appointments and emergencies as a six-day strike by resident doctors in England begins on Tuesday. NHS leaders warned that the timing of the walkout—following a long weekend—could lead to increased pressure on services, but reassured that care will still be available. They emphasized that senior doctors and non-striking residents will cover for those on strike, and patients should attend unless notified otherwise.

Strike Context and Dispute Details

This marks the 15th strike in a ongoing pay and job conditions dispute. The action, initially planned by junior doctors, was called after negotiations to resolve the conflict stalled at the end of March. Over 100,000 healthcare professionals will participate in the strike, from 07:00 BST on Tuesday until just before 07:00 on Monday, April 13. The British Medical Association (BMA) highlighted concerns about the disruption, despite NHS England’s claims that most services will remain operational.

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

Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the strikes as “disappointing” and emphasized efforts to safeguard patients and staff. He noted that during the December strikes, the NHS managed to maintain nearly 95% of its planned activities. However, the BMA’s resident doctors committee chairman, Dr Jack Fletcher, acknowledged that senior doctors are stepping in, though they too face exhaustion and shared the same level of frustration.

Government’s Offer and Union’s Rejection

Following the strike announcement, the government reversed a key component of its previous agreement by removing 1,000 additional training spots. The Department of Health and Social Care stated the plan was no longer feasible financially or operationally, but clarified that these roles would be replaced by existing short-term positions. The move coincided with the government accepting recommendations for a 3.5% pay rise for all doctors, including resident doctors, starting this month.

While the pay increase means resident doctors’ salaries have risen by a third over four years, the BMA argues that, adjusted for inflation, their earnings are still 20% lower than in 2008. The union uses the Retail Price Index (RPI) to measure inflation, matching the government’s approach for student loan interest calculations. The BMA also criticized the pay progression plan as being “watered down” in the final stages of negotiations.

Residents doctors comprise almost half of NHS staff, with two-thirds affiliated with the BMA. The union remains focused on ensuring fair compensation and improved working conditions, despite the NHS’s assurances of maintaining service continuity during industrial action. Officials stressed that systems are in place to manage disruptions, but acknowledged the challenges posed by the strike’s timing.