Junior doctors in England have kicked off a five-day strike this morning – despite major warnings that patients will suffer as hospitals battle record flu levels.
Up to half of England’s medical workforce will walk out at 7am on Wednesday after Labour held out on their inflation-busting pay demands.
The walkout marks the 14th strike by resident doctors since 2023.
BMA members rejected a fresh Government offer on Monday, ending hopes of a last-minute resolution.
Ministers have accused the union of deliberately timing the strike to cause maximum damage to the NHS during the flu surge.
Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA’s resident doctors committee, instead blamed the walkout on the Government’s approach to negotiations.
He said: “These strikes are the consequence of hurried, last-minute offers. This way of working is in no one’s interest.
“If we can sit down to come up with a considered, collaborative roadmap towards the restoration of the NHS workforce, then everyone can come out ahead.”
While medic Dr Bhasha Mukherjee outlined her demands on GB News just days ago, saying: “To reach full pay restoration, all we’re asking for is £22 an hour for a doctor who is literally saving people’s lives.
PICTURED: Junior doctors on the picket line in November this year. The strikers are set to walk out again on Wednesday
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PA
“There are cleaners who are being paid more than that and I’m not undermining cleaners at all but it’s about context: the pressure, the dedication, the strain of going through medical school and serving on the front line.
“When super-flu, Covid, all of these things hit, doctors are the ones facing it head-on. So we’re simply asking for £18 an hour to rise to £22 an hour.
Hospitals have been handed strict instructions to maintain 95 per cent of normal activity during the walkout.
However, health leaders have already acknowledged this target may prove difficult given winter pressures and rising flu infections.
Patients have been urged to attend appointments as planned, though some will need to be rescheduled.
NHS England’s national medical director, Professor Meghana Pandit, said: “These strikes come at an immensely challenging time for the NHS, with record numbers of patients in hospital with flu for this time of year.
“Staff will come together as they always do, going above and beyond to provide safe care for patients and limit disruption, but sadly more patients are likely to feel the impact of this round of strikes than in the previous two and staff who are covering will not get the Christmas break they deserve with their families.”
She urged the public to keep their appointments unless the NHS contacts them directly.
Patients should dial 999 for emergencies or use 111 online, pharmacies and GPs for other concerns.
Those with non-urgent issues may face longer waits as urgent cases take priority.
But the industrial action comes as flu cases in English hospitals have reached unprecedented numbers for this time of year.
Warnings of a “super flu” have circulated as cases reach record levels for December, with NHS bosses making an urgent plea for people to get their vaccinations.
Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said: “The last thing anyone wants is for them or their loved ones to be unwell or hospitalised over the festive season, so if you don’t want your new year ruined this is your last chance to get vaccinated in time.
“This is an urgent plea from the NHS: please come forward for your flu jab now and get protected.”
