NHS Urges Patients to Seek Care as Doctors in England Prepare for Six-Day Strike
The NHS is urging patients not to delay seeking necessary medical care as resident doctors in England prepare to launch a six-day strike starting Tuesday. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has described the impending industrial action as "disappointing," while NHS England emphasizes that services will remain open.
Strike Details and Government Response
Tens of thousands of resident doctors are set to walk out after the government withdrew a key part of its offer, specifically 1,000 extra training places, citing financial and operational constraints. The British Medical Association is demanding a pay increase higher than the 3.5% offered by the government, with Streeting noting that the proposed deal would have left doctors 35.2% better off on average compared to four years ago.
NHS England has warned that this strike period will be particularly challenging due to a shorter notice period and its timing immediately after the Easter weekend. Hospital teams across the country are working to minimize patient disruption.
Patient Guidance and NHS Assurance
Patients have been advised to attend planned appointments unless contacted to reschedule. Those with life-threatening emergencies should continue to call 999 or visit A&E departments. Professor Ramani Moonesinghe, National Clinical Director for Critical and Perioperative Care at NHS England, stated: "Staff across the NHS will be doing everything they can this week to keep patients safe and ensure people can continue to get the care they need."
Moonesinghe added: "We know this round of industrial action will be difficult, but patients should come forward as normal. The NHS remains open for you this week – please call 999 or come to A&E in an emergency, and use 111 online first for urgent but non-life-threatening help."
Union Perspective and Broader Context
Dr. Jack Fletcher, Chair of the BMA's Resident Doctors Committee, criticized the government's approach, saying: "The health secretary may well be 'disappointed' but he is failing to acknowledge a deal was taking shape until his government quietly watered it down. Resident doctors are as keen as he is to end the strikes, but his government needs to put an acceptable offer on the table."
Additionally, BMA union staff are planning to strike concurrently with the resident doctors' action, despite receiving a lower pay offer of 2.75%. The NHS highlighted that during December strikes, nearly 95% of planned activity was delivered, thanks to dedicated staff.
Streeting concluded: "My attention and that of leaders across the NHS is now on protecting patients and staff by minimizing disruption. My heartfelt thanks go out to all those hard at work this week."
