The British Medical Association (BMA) has disputed NHS England's claim that less than a third of resident doctors took part in last week's strike in England, arguing that complex work schedules and annual leave make it 'almost impossible to know' the exact number of participants.
NHS England reported that 93% of planned operations and procedures went ahead during the five-day strike, and that care was maintained for an estimated 10,000 more patients compared to the previous strike. Health Secretary Wes Streeting used the figures to urge an end to the 'cycle of disruption'.
The BMA, however, stated that the NHS's claim requires 'a huge stretch of the imagination', noting that many doctors were on annual leave in July and would not appear as strikers. The union reiterated its demand for a 29% pay rise and called on Streeting to present a credible offer to avert future strikes.
Resident doctors, who make up about half of all NHS doctors with up to eight years' experience, have been locked in an increasingly acrimonious dispute with the government. Some trusts, such as West Hertfordshire teaching hospitals, reported minimal disruption, carrying out 98% of planned activity.
NHS chief executive James Mackey said the strike still disrupted care for thousands and urged the BMA to return to negotiations. NHS Providers expressed concern about potential wider industrial action, warning that patients are the only ones being punished.
