Health Secretary Wes Streeting has admitted that the five-day strike by resident doctors in England will cost the NHS £250 million. Appearing before the Commons Health and Social Care Committee, Streeting apologised to patients and said he “deeply regrets that we’re in this situation.” He added that the overall “opportunity cost” of funding strikes has reached half a billion pounds.
The walkout, which began at 7am on Wednesday, is the 14th by resident doctors since 2023. It comes as the NHS faces record flu cases for this time of year, with hospitals under severe pressure. Streeting accused the British Medical Association (BMA) of timing the strike to cause maximum disruption, while the BMA’s Dr Tom Dolphin insisted the crisis is “year-round” and that senior doctors would cover to keep patients safe.
Hospitals were told to aim for 95% of usual activity, but health leaders warned that winter pressures and rising flu may make this more challenging. NHS England urged eligible people to get vaccinated against flu, with chief nursing officer Duncan Burton calling it an “urgent plea” ahead of the festive season. Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA’s resident doctors committee, said the strike resulted from “hurried, last-minute offers” and called for a long-term plan from ministers.
