Health Secretary Wes Streeting has expressed grave concerns for the NHS as a planned strike by resident doctors coincides with a surge in flu cases. Speaking to LBC radio on Friday, he described the situation as 'genuinely fearful', warning that patient safety could be compromised.
Mr Streeting said flu is causing 'probably the worst pressure the NHS has faced since Covid', with hospital cases jumping 55% in a week to an average of 2,660 patients per day. He noted a 'particularly aggressive strain' is adding to the strain.
The Health Secretary criticised the British Medical Association (BMA) for choosing to strike in December, claiming they 'know that this week will be most painful for the NHS'. He revealed he offered to extend the strike mandate to February to allow a rearrangement, but the BMA declined.
Members of the BMA are currently voting on a new government offer. If rejected, strikes will run for five consecutive days from 7am on December 17. Mr Streeting warned that the combination of strikes and flu could be the 'Jenga piece that collapses the tower' of the NHS.
When asked if the NHS collapse is at 'one minute to midnight', Mr Streeting replied: 'Effectively, yeah.' He added that no amount of money can guarantee patient safety under the current pressures.
