Thousands of resident doctors in England have gone on a five-day strike over low pay, marking the 13th industrial action by doctors since March 2023.
The strike began at 7 a.m. on Friday and health leaders have warned that the disruption could affect frontline services, with fewer appointments and operations available if the action continued.
The NHS Confederation and NHS Providers, which represent hospitals in England, said the strikes were adding pressure to already stretched budgets. The previous strike in July reportedly cost the health service £300 million.
“Patients will face longer waiting times, and many may struggle to work without the treatment they need,” the groups said. They also noted that the strikes could slow efforts to reduce waiting lists.
According the Guardian of London, during the last strike, more than 54,000 procedures and appointments were cancelled or rescheduled, despite the NHS maintaining 93% of planned activity.
Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said: “There is no doubt that patients will bear the brunt of this disruption, with tens of thousands of tests, appointments, and operations likely to be delayed or cancelled.
“With flu season starting, these strikes risk leaving the NHS struggling through a difficult winter while it tries to recover and implement long-term reforms.”
According to reports, the UK Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, has refused to increase pay further, arguing that doctors have already received nearly a 30% rise over the past three years.
The British Medical Association (BMA), however, said resident doctors needed a 26% pay increase to keep up with inflation.
The union also warned that striking doctors should not be asked to return to work to cover scheduled hospital activities unless alternative arrangements have been made.
