The head of the NHS has accused doctors of strategically timing their strike to create chaos. Despite the walkout, NHS England is encouraging patients to seek medical attention at hospitals and GP practices if needed, as there are concerns that some seriously ill individuals may postpone seeking help. Following the first day of the strike, NHS chief executive Sir Jim Mackey reassured health leaders that hospitals were coping well under the circumstances.
In recent strikes under Sir Jim’s leadership, the NHS has managed to uphold 95% of planned appointments. However, this current six-day strike coincides with the Easter school holidays, leading to potential staffing challenges as many employees had already scheduled time off. Sir Jim expressed gratitude towards the healthcare workers for their efforts in maintaining services during the strike.
A survey by YouGov revealed that 55% of British adults oppose resident doctors participating in strikes, while 37% support their actions. The ongoing six-day strike, the 15th since 2023 and the longest joint strike, marks the 60th day of industrial action in a dispute that originated during the previous Conservative government’s tenure, costing the NHS an estimated £50 million per day for staff coverage and rescheduled procedures.
NHS England is advising patients to attend planned appointments unless notified otherwise, with GP practices, NHS 111, and emergency care services operating as usual. Hospital trusts are prioritizing critical treatments like urgent surgeries and cancer care.
Regarding the pay-related dispute, resident doctors, below consultant level, are protesting for a return to 2008 pay levels due to a real terms pay decrease of 20% according to the retail price index. Although the government proposed a 3.5% pay increase for 2026/27, resident doctors rejected the offer, citing concerns about phased pay rises over three years resulting in further real terms pay cuts.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting claimed the overall offer would have given resident doctors an average pay rise of 4.9%, along with additional benefits such as exam cost reimbursements and more medical training positions. The BMA’s resident doctors committee rejected the offer, emphasizing their stance against any further real terms pay reductions.
While most NHS staff, including nurses and midwives, were offered a 3.3% pay rise for 2026-27, other public sector employees, like council workers, received the same percentage increase.
