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

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

The National Health Service (NHS) has urged individuals to proceed with their medical appointments without hesitation as a six-day strike by resident doctors in England begins on Tuesday. This marks the 15th walkout in a protracted pay and job conditions dispute, which has intensified during the weekend following a long bank holiday. NHS officials warn that the timing of the strike may lead to heightened demand, potentially creating significant strain on services.

Despite the walkout, senior doctors and those not participating will remain on duty, ensuring that most healthcare operations continue. Patients are advised to attend scheduled appointments unless explicitly informed otherwise. Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the strikes as “disappointing,” emphasizing the focus on maintaining service continuity to safeguard both patients and staff.

The strike, which involves tens of thousands of doctors, will run from 07:00 BST on Tuesday until just before 07:00 on Monday, 13 April. The British Medical Association (BMA), representing the striking doctors, acknowledged the challenges but stressed that disruption is inevitable. “Many senior doctors will be covering for us, and whilst that benefits patients, they are also exhausted and as demoralised as we are,” noted Dr. Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA’s resident doctors committee.

“The NHS is still open for business and there are still plenty of people there available to care for you,” said Prof. Ramani Moonesinghe, national clinical director for critical and perioperative care at NHS England. “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 or urgent cases, follow the same procedures: call 111 or 999 for immediate care, or visit A&E. For less critical issues, consult your GP or a local pharmacy.”

The strike follows the collapse of negotiations in late March, which had aimed to resolve the dispute over pay and career prospects. The government’s decision to revoke 1,000 training places, a key component of its previous offer, has drawn criticism. While the Department of Health and Social Care stated the plan was no longer “financially or operationally viable,” it noted that the roles would be absorbed into existing temporary positions, preserving the overall workforce count.

Alongside the training places, the government had promised to cover expenses like exam fees and accelerate pay progression across five salary bands. These bands range from just under £39,000 to nearly £74,000. However, the BMA terminated talks, citing last-minute dilution of the pay increase terms. The union argues the 3.5% raise, effective this month, still leaves resident doctors earning 20% less than in 2008 when adjusted for inflation. This measure, RPI, is more expansive than other inflation indices, a choice the BMA claims aligns with the government’s own calculations for student loan interest.