Health officials have called on the public to access NHS care as normal this weekend, confirming services will remain up and running as resident doctors enter the final two days of a five-day walkout.
Strike Timeline and Service Assurance
The industrial action, which began at 7am on Wednesday, is scheduled to end at 7am on Monday when doctors return to work. Throughout the strike period, NHS England has stated that hospitals have worked to minimise disruption, a task made more challenging by surging flu cases across the country.
Professor Meghana Pandit, national medical director at NHS England, sought to reassure the public. "Despite this being an extremely difficult time for the NHS to be facing industrial action, staff are yet again working tirelessly to keep care going," she said. "The public should be reassured that services remain up and running this weekend." She extended thanks to staff covering for striking colleagues.
Public Guidance and Winter Pressures
Officials have reiterated standard advice for patients: attend A&E or call 999 for life-threatening emergencies. For less serious health concerns, the public should use NHS 111 online or by phone to be directed to the most appropriate service. GPs and local pharmacies also remain open.
This guidance comes alongside new polling revealing public anxiety about winter healthcare. A Savanta survey for the Liberal Democrats found two-thirds of people in Britain are worried about long A&E waits this winter. The party's health spokesperson, Helen Morgan, urged the government to launch an emergency package to prevent trolley waits and corridor care, stating the findings "lay bare just how frightened people are."
Record Flu Numbers and Vaccination Plea
The strike coincides with a significant spike in seasonal flu. NHS figures published on Thursday showed a record number of flu patients in hospital for this time of year. An average of 3,140 flu patients were in hospital each day last week in England, an 18% rise from 2,660 the previous week.
To provide context:
- This time last year, the figure was 2,629 patients.
- In 2023, the comparable number was just 648.
While the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicated flu levels are "starting to stabilise," Professor Pandit stressed that vaccination remains the best defence. "If you’re eligible, please come forward for a jab, it’s not too late," she urged. The strike was initiated after members of the British Medical Association (BMA) rejected a fresh government pay offer.
