The NHS is urging patients not to delay seeking care as tens of thousands of resident doctors in England prepare for a six-day strike starting Tuesday. The industrial action, called by the British Medical Association (BMA), follows the government's withdrawal of a key part of its pay offer, including 1,000 extra training places.
NHS England has warned that the strike will be particularly challenging due to a shorter notice period, but stressed that hospital teams are working to minimise disruption. Patients are advised to attend planned appointments unless contacted otherwise, and to call 999 or attend A&E in life-threatening emergencies.
Professor Ramani Moonesinghe, national clinical director for critical care at NHS England, said: “Staff across the NHS will be doing everything they can this week to keep patients safe. Patients should come forward as normal and attend any appointments unless they are contacted otherwise.”
Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed disappointment, noting that the BMA rejected a deal that would have made resident doctors 35.2% better off on average than four years ago. He added that the NHS delivered nearly 95% of planned activity during December strikes and reassured patients that services remain open.
BMA chair Dr Jack Fletcher countered that the government “quietly watered down” the offer, reducing the money on the table and stretching it over too many years. He called for a genuine offer that does not change at the last minute.
