The NHS is set to face a 'triple whammy of pressure' from Monday, June 15, as a resident doctors strike coincides with a forecasted heatwave and the start of England's World Cup campaign. Health services are expected to be stretched, but the public is urged to come forward as usual if they have any health issues.
Strike details
Doctors will walk out from 7am on Monday until 6.59am on Friday, June 19, marking the 16th round of strike action since 2023. The industrial action comes alongside a Met Office forecast of 'periods of strong sunshine' and 'very warm' weather from Sunday, June 14, into the start of next week. Hot weather is expected to persist throughout the week, with 'generally above normal' temperatures.
Meanwhile, England's first World Cup match against Croatia in Dallas kicks off at 9pm on Wednesday, June 17. Pubs and bars across the country are expected to be busy as fans cheer on Thomas Tuchel's team.
NHS remains open
Despite the strike, NHS England has stated that patients should continue to attend all planned appointments unless they are contacted directly to rearrange them. Anyone with urgent or emergency needs should seek care in the normal way, by calling 999 or attending A&E. For non-life-threatening issues, the public is advised to use 111 online first.
Professor Frankie Swords, national medical director at NHS England, said: 'The NHS remains open as usual during this period of industrial action, with staff across the NHS doing everything they can to keep patients safe and minimise disruption to services.'
Triple whammy of pressure
'With temperatures set to rise again this week and the World Cup kicking off - it will be triple whammy of pressure, but staff will pull together as they always do, to keep the show on the road and ensure people continue to receive the care they need,' Professor Swords added. He urged people to stay cool, stay out of the sun, and stay hydrated during the hottest hours, especially the vulnerable such as the very young, elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.
Government and BMA at odds
Health Secretary James Murray expressed disappointment that the strike is going ahead, stating that a 'really good offer' is on the table: a 28.9% increase over the last three years, with a 4.9% increase this year rising to 7.1% for some of the lowest-paid resident doctors. He said he cannot go further on pay but is willing to work on other aspects of the deal, such as job opportunities, terms and conditions, and training options.
'I'm disappointed that, despite having those conversations about how to improve other aspects of the deal, that the strikes are still set to go ahead,' Murray said. He urged doctors to continue discussions on non-pay issues.
The British Medical Association (BMA) has indicated that more strike dates in July could be announced.
NHS leaders call for resolution
Sir Ciarán Devane, chief executive of the NHS Alliance, said: 'Local NHS leaders have become all-too familiar with dealing with industrial action stemming from this long and damaging dispute.' He noted that despite efforts to minimise disruption, there will be knock-on delays to care and a significant hit to NHS finances. 'Even at this late stage we urge both sides, the Government and the BMA, to get together and resolve this dispute once and for all,' he added.
