Doctors in England will begin a five day strike on Wednesday, escalating a long running dispute over pay and working conditions as hospitals face rising pressure from a sharp increase in flu cases.
The walkout involves resident doctors, previously known as junior doctors, who account for nearly half of England’s medical workforce. Their action comes at a critical moment for the National Health Service, which has warned of mounting strain on hospitals as winter illnesses spread.
Health officials say the timing of the strike could worsen delays for patients. According to NHS England, flu hospital admissions jumped by more than 50 percent in early December, reaching an average of 2,660 patients a day. That figure is the highest recorded for this point in the season, and health leaders say the outbreak has yet to peak.
Meghana Pandit, NHS England’s national medical director, said hospitals would do everything possible to protect urgent care. “Staff will come together as they always do, but sadly more patients are likely to feel the impact of this round of strikes than in the previous two,” she said, explaining that non urgent appointments may be postponed.
NHS England has warned that staffing levels during the strike may be lower than usual, forcing hospitals to prioritize life saving treatment.
The strike follows months of renewed tension between the Labour government and the British Medical Association, which represents resident doctors. Shortly after taking office last year, the government approved a 22 percent pay rise to resolve a dispute that began under the previous Conservative administration.
However, the conflict resurfaced after doctors were awarded a further 5.4 percent increase this year. The BMA says that rise falls far short of restoring pay that has declined in real terms since 2008 and is now seeking a 29 percent increase.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting criticized the industrial action, calling it “self indulgent, irresponsible and dangerous,” and said the government could not afford to go further on pay.
In a last effort to avert the strike, the government proposed changes to training and career development options for resident doctors. BMA members overwhelmingly rejected the offer, clearing the way for the five day walkout.
The dispute now appears set to continue into the new year, with both sides holding firm positions as pressure mounts on the NHS. With flu cases still climbing and hospitals operating close to capacity, health leaders warn that the coming weeks will be a significant test for England’s healthcare system.
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Africa Digital News, New YorkÂ
