Senior figures representing doctors have forcefully rejected claims that a planned five-day strike over the Christmas period will lead to patient deaths, labelling such warnings as misleading. Instead, they argue the true threat to the National Health Service is the ongoing exodus of medical professionals from the profession.
Strike Action Proceeds Amid "Tsunami of Flu"
The British Medical Association confirmed the industrial action by resident doctors in England will begin on Wednesday, following a vote where 83% of members opted to reject a new Government offer and continue with the walkout. The turnout for the online poll was 65%.
This decision comes as the NHS grapples with unprecedented seasonal pressure. Official figures reveal the number of people hospitalised with flu in England is at a record high for this time of year, having surged by 55% in just one week. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned the country is facing a "tsunami of flu" and accused the union of "choosing to put lives at risk this Christmas".
"Evidence-Based" Defence Versus Political Condemnation
Responding directly to fears that the strike would prove fatal, Dr Shivam Sharma, deputy chair of the BMA's resident doctors committee, offered a stark rebuttal. "I would completely disagree with that, and I want to be evidence-based," he told LBC Radio.
Dr Sharma contended that senior consultants covering the strike provide safe care, citing studies showing mortality rates "do not increase, they stay the same, if not decrease during strike action." He shifted the focus to systemic issues, stating: "What's dangerous for patients is continuing down this trend where doctors continue to leave, patients aren't getting the care that they deserve."
This stance was met with fierce criticism from Government ministers. Health minister Stephen Kinnock described the timing as "dangerous, reckless and irresponsible," suggesting the BMA leadership was "hell-bent" on inflicting maximum damage. He referenced a previous 29% pay rise and called the current demand for more "not really living in the real world." Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was "gutted" by the strike decision, branding it "irresponsible".
Patients and NHS Braced for Severe Impact
Patient advocacy groups have expressed profound concern about the strike's consequences, particularly for the elderly. Rachel Power, Chief Executive of The Patients Association, warned that older patients admitted with flu face being "stuck in hospital over Christmas" due to insufficient staff to safely discharge them.
NHS leaders are reportedly worried the strike's effects will be "more severe" due to the combined winter pressures and festive period. This will be the 14th walkout by resident doctors since disputes began in 2023.
The Government's rejected offer included measures like expanding specialist training posts and covering exam fees, but it did not address the core issue of additional pay. The BMA stated the offer "doesn't go far enough on both jobs and pay." The union has also dismissed a Government proposal to postpone the action until January.
As the standoff continues, the call for independent mediation grows louder, with patient groups urging both sides to end the cycle of disruption that has left millions facing cancelled appointments and heightened anxiety.
