Junior doctors in England have commenced a five-day strike after overwhelmingly rejecting the government's latest pay offer, plunging the NHS into a fresh crisis during a record surge in winter flu cases.
Strike Action Amid 'Superflu' Warnings
The walkout, which began at 7am on Wednesday 17 December 2025, is the 14th by resident doctors since 2023. It comes amid stark warnings of a 'superflu' sweeping the nation, with hospital admissions for flu in England at a record high for this time of year. Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed "genuine fears" for patient safety, stating flu is causing "probably the worst pressure the NHS has faced since Covid".
Last-ditch talks between the British Medical Association (BMA) and the health secretary on Tuesday failed to avert the industrial action. The union stated its members felt the government's hurried offer "doesn't go far enough on both jobs and pay". BMA junior doctors committee chair Dr Jack Fletcher criticised the pattern of "hurried, last-minute offers" and called for a long-term plan to restore the workforce.
NHS Braces for Severe Disruption
NHS England has instructed hospitals to aim for 95% of usual activity, but health leaders concede this will be extremely challenging. Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England's national medical director, warned: "Sadly more patients are likely to feel the impact of this round of strikes than in the previous two."
While the BMA insists senior doctors will be drafted in to cover for patient safety, NHS bosses have urged the public to attend appointments unless contacted otherwise. They also issued an urgent plea for eligible people to get their flu vaccine. Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said: "This is an urgent plea from the NHS – please come forward for your flu jab now and get protected."
A Cycle of Dispute with No End in Sight
The government has accused the BMA of timing the strike to "inflict as much damage as they can". However, Dr Tom Dolphin of the BMA countered that the NHS faces a "year-round" crisis, not just a winter one.
With the dispute seemingly entrenched, Dr Fletcher warned that without a "considered, collaborative roadmap" from ministers, the cycle of strikes could continue "well into the new year". The coming days will test an already overstretched health service as it battles a perfect storm of industrial action and rampant seasonal illness.
