Will England's Doctors Impact Healthcare with a Five-Day Walkout?

The ongoing strike by resident doctors in England marks the 13th action taken by members of the British Medical Association (BMA) in a protracted pay dispute. Starting at 07:00 GMT on Monday, the five-day walkout aims to disrupt both emergency and non-urgent care, posing significant challenges for the NHS as hospital services brace for the impact. NHS England is striving to maintain operations, targeting to keep 95% of non-urgent procedures running, but the situation remains precarious for patients waiting for care.

Last updated: 05 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The strike by resident doctors is set to create substantial strain on NHS services across England. Resident doctors, who constitute about half of the medical workforce, are walking out for five days over a continuing pay dispute. NHS England is attempting to mitigate the impact by redeploying senior doctors and offering overtime, yet the situation poses significant challenges. Patients are advised to attend their appointments unless specifically told otherwise, highlighting the NHS's commitment to maintaining care during this disruptive period.

Key takeaways

The resident doctors' strike is the 13th action in a long-standing pay dispute.
The NHS aims to keep 95% of non-urgent procedures running during the walkout.
Approximately one-third of resident doctors are not participating in the strike.
The strike is estimated to cost the NHS £240 million to manage the service disruptions.
Patients are facing postponed appointments, impacting timely medical care.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the onset of the dispute, there have been several key milestones:

January 2023: Initial discussions begin between the BMA and the NHS over pay and working conditions.
March 2023: First strike action occurs, signalling the start of ongoing industrial action.
June 2023: Additional strikes are announced as negotiations fail to produce a resolution.
September 2023: Talks break down after the BMA rejects a new proposal from Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
October 2023: The latest five-day strike by resident doctors begins, intensifying the ongoing conflict.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The most recent developments include the start of a five-day strike by resident doctors and the NHS's commitment to maintaining 95% of non-urgent procedures. The BMA's leadership continues to assert the legal right of doctors to strike, while NHS England expresses its determination to keep services operational despite the disruption.

What was already established

It is acknowledged that the pay dispute has persisted for several years, with resident doctors arguing their salaries have not kept pace with inflation. The BMA's stance is that junior doctors' pay has effectively decreased by a fifth since 2008 when adjusted for inflation, despite recent pay rises of nearly 30% over three years. Furthermore, difficulties in securing specialty training positions remain a pressing concern for many resident doctors.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK consumers, the strike translates into significant disruptions in healthcare. Many patients, like Colette Houlihan from Cambridgeshire, are experiencing delays in crucial appointments, leading to frustration and anxiety. The postponements can impede timely diagnoses and treatments, particularly for those with serious health conditions.

Businesses and jobs

From a broader perspective, the strike impacts the NHS's operational capacity, potentially leading to increased waiting times for procedures and consultations. This strain on the healthcare system could adversely affect the well-being of the workforce and the economy, as health professionals are essential for maintaining productivity and public health.

Policy and regulation

Health Secretary Wes Streeting's recent remarks characterising the BMA's actions as "morally reprehensible" reflect the heightened tensions surrounding this dispute. As negotiations have stalled, further industrial action may be anticipated, leading to continued discussions on the future of NHS funding and staffing policies.

Numbers that matter

£240 million: Estimated cost to the NHS for managing the current strike action.
30%: Percentage increase in pay for doctors over the last three years.
£54,000: Average basic salary of doctors following recent pay rises.
10,000: Number of specialty training positions available this year for over 30,000 applicants.
5: Days the current resident doctors' strike is expected to last.

Definitions and jargon buster

Resident doctors: Also known as junior doctors, these are doctors in their training years after completing medical school.
BMA: British Medical Association, the professional association and trade union for doctors in the UK.
Hippocratic Oath: An ethical code attributed to the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, guiding medical professionals to "do no harm."

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, it is essential for patients to stay informed about their appointments and any potential changes. The NHS may continue to adjust its services based on the availability of staff and the ongoing impact of the strike.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As negotiations potentially resume, stakeholders will need to closely monitor developments regarding the BMA's demands and the government's responses. The ongoing situation may prompt broader discussions about healthcare funding and workforce management in the NHS.

Signals to watch

Future announcements from the BMA regarding additional strike actions or negotiations.
Statements from NHS England regarding service adjustments or patient care guidelines.
Government responses to the BMA's demands and proposals for resolving the pay dispute.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay in touch with your healthcare provider for updates regarding your appointments.
Be understanding of potential delays and changes in care due to the strike.
Monitor news sources for developments in the ongoing negotiations.

Don’t

Do not ignore communications from your healthcare provider about your care.
Do not assume that all services will continue as normal during the strike.
Do not hesitate to seek urgent medical care if necessary, regardless of the strike.

Checklist

Check for appointment confirmations and potential changes.
Understand your rights as a patient during strike actions.
Keep an eye on NHS updates about service availability.
Know who to contact for urgent medical concerns.
Stay informed on the developments of the pay dispute and its implications for healthcare.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The situation remains fluid with significant uncertainties surrounding the ongoing negotiations between the BMA and the government. The impact of the strike on patient care may evolve based on the responsiveness of the NHS and the level of participation among resident doctors. Furthermore, the potential for future strikes could exacerbate existing strains on the healthcare system.

Bottom line

The strike by resident doctors highlights the ongoing tensions between healthcare professionals and government authorities regarding pay and work conditions. As the NHS strives to maintain service levels amidst the disruption, it is vital for patients to remain informed and proactive about their healthcare needs during this challenging period.

FAQs

What is the reason behind the resident doctors' strike?

The resident doctors' strike stems from a long-standing pay dispute, with doctors seeking fair compensation that reflects inflation and their workload. The BMA argues that despite recent pay increases, salaries remain significantly lower than in 2008 when adjusted for inflation.

How long will the strike last?

The current strike is scheduled to last five days, beginning at 07:00 GMT on Monday and concluding at 07:00 on Wednesday.

What should patients do during the strike?

Patients are advised to attend their appointments unless specifically told not to by their healthcare provider. It is important to stay informed about potential changes to services and appointments.