Senior health service figures have issued a stark call for external mediation to break the deadlock between the Government and junior doctors, who have walked out on their 14th strike since 2023.
An Impasse Reached as Five-Day Walkout Begins
The latest industrial action, a five-day walkout by resident doctors in England, commenced at 7am on Wednesday 17 December 2025. It follows the rejection by British Medical Association (BMA) members of a fresh Government offer on Monday, dashing last-minute hopes of averting the stoppage.
Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, described the situation as an "impasse," expressing frustration that the dispute appears no closer to resolution. He told Times Radio the atmosphere had grown "more and more acrimonious."
"It seems quite incredulous to us that the Government who put such a good offer on the table last week could have been met with such a resounding ballot from the doctors saying 'we don't agree'," Mr Elkeles stated.
Winter Pressures Amplify Strike Impact
Ministers have accused the BMA of timing the strike to "inflict as much damage as they can," a charge made more severe by record levels of flu currently in hospitals. Health leaders have conceded that maintaining 95% of usual activity during the strike will be "more challenging" due to these winter pressures.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England’s national medical director, warned: "These strikes come at an immensely challenging time for the NHS... sadly more patients are likely to feel the impact of this round of strikes than in the previous two."
While hospitals aim to limit disruption and patients are urged to attend appointments unless contacted, health bosses admit some appointments will "inevitably" be rescheduled.
A Plea for Mediation and Long-Term Solutions
In a direct appeal, NHS trust leaders have called for both sides to engage with independent mediators. Mr Elkeles emphasised a "small window" after this strike, before junior doctors reballot, to reach an agreement.
"If external mediation is the thing that will unlock it, then please, can we get on and do it?" he urged.
Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA's junior doctors committee, countered that the responsibility lay with ministers to provide a "clear route to responsibly raise pay over a number of years" and create "enough genuinely new jobs instead of recycled ones." He argued that such a plan would prevent further strikes.
The BMA has already permitted some medics in the maternity unit at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to return to work due to "unique and difficult circumstances," highlighting the strain on specific services.
