The National Health Service has issued a stark warning as a major five-day strike by junior doctors in England is set to begin, coinciding with record levels of flu patients in hospitals. Health officials state that more patients are likely to feel the impact of this industrial action than during previous walkouts.
Strike Action Amid Winter Pressures
Up to half of the medical workforce in England could stop work from 7am on Wednesday, 17th December, and not return for five days. This marks the 14th strike by resident doctors since 2023, with the dispute centred on pay and jobs. Hopes of a last-minute resolution were dashed on Monday when members of the British Medical Association (BMA) rejected a fresh government offer.
NHS England has instructed hospitals to aim for 95% of usual activity during the strike. However, health leaders have admitted this target will be "more challenging due to the onset of winter pressures and rising flu". The service is grappling with what some are calling a 'super flu', with hospital admissions for the virus at a record high for this time of year.
Urgent Plea for Vaccination and Service Disruption
NHS bosses have made an urgent appeal for eligible people to get their flu jab. Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, emphasised the timing, stating: "This is an urgent plea from the NHS – please come forward for your flu jab now and get protected. The last thing anyone wants is for them or their loved ones to be unwell or hospitalised over the festive season."
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England’s national medical director, warned of significant disruption. "Staff will come together as they always do, going above and beyond to provide safe care for patients and limit disruption, but sadly more patients are likely to feel the impact of this round of strikes," she said. She also noted that covering staff would miss their Christmas breaks.
Patients are urged to attend appointments unless contacted by the NHS, but officials concede that some appointments will "inevitably" need rescheduling. With fewer doctors working, people with non-urgent concerns may face longer waits as urgent cases are prioritised.
Political Standoff and Union Response
Ministers have accused the BMA of timing the strike to "inflict as much damage as they can" on the NHS during a period of severe seasonal pressure. In response, Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA's junior doctors committee, blamed the government for the breakdown in talks.
"These strikes are the consequence of hurried, last-minute offers," Dr Fletcher stated. "If the Government keeps up the pattern of denial, harsh words and rushed half-measures, then we are going to be stuck in the cycle of strikes well into the New Year." He called for a "genuinely long-term plan" including a clear path to restoring pay and creating new jobs.
The public is advised to use services appropriately: dialling 999 in an emergency, otherwise using NHS 111 online, or visiting a local pharmacist or GP for non-urgent care.
