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Doctors across England have begun a five-day strike, triggering fresh concern about pressure on the NHS. Hospital leaders warn that disruption will be worse than in previous walkouts. The strike comes at a difficult time, with flu cases rising and winter demand stretching services.
This action marks the 14th strike by resident doctors, previously known as junior doctors. The long-running dispute over pay and training jobs shows no clear sign of resolution. Patients are now being advised to prepare for delays, cancelled procedures, and changes to local services.
When the Doctors’ Strike Started and How Long It Will Last
The strike began at 07:00 on Wednesday morning and will continue for five consecutive days. Resident doctors are walking out of both emergency and non-urgent care. Senior doctors are stepping in to provide cover where possible.
NHS England says it will be harder to maintain normal services this time. Flu admissions are higher than expected for this point in winter. This has reduced flexibility across hospitals.
Who Are Resident Doctors and Why They Matter
Resident doctors make up almost half of the medical workforce in the NHS. They are usually in the early stages of their careers. Many work long shifts across wards, clinics, and emergency departments.
Their absence affects daily hospital operations. Even with senior doctors covering shifts, hospitals cannot replace all roles. This creates pressure on remaining staff and leads to postponed care.
Why Are Doctors Striking Again?
The dispute centres on pay, working conditions, and career progression. The British Medical Association says current pay does not reflect workload or rising living costs.
The union argues that doctor pay has fallen in real terms since 2008. Inflation has eroded income despite recent pay rises. According to the BMA, resident doctors still earn around 20% less than they did 15 years ago when adjusted for inflation.
Doctors are also concerned about limited training jobs. Many fear stalled careers despite years of study and hospital work.
Government and Union Talks Failed to Stop the Strike
Last-minute talks took place on Tuesday afternoon before the strike began. Both sides described the meeting as constructive. Still, no deal was reached.
The government recently offered to increase speciality training posts. It also proposed covering some out-of-pocket costs, including exam fees. The BMA said this offer did not go far enough.
Union members later voted to continue strike action. This decision effectively rejected the latest government proposal.
Health Secretary Says Timing Puts Patients at Risk
Health Secretary Wes Streeting criticised the timing of the strike. He said it would cause maximum disruption to the NHS. He warned that patient safety could be affected during the busy winter period.
Streeting said the NHS already faces strain from flu and seasonal illness. He described the combination of flu and strikes as an added burden on staff and services.
He also stated that doctors have received pay rises close to 30% over the past three years. Because of this, he said the government would not reopen pay talks.
NHS England Warns of Greater Disruption Than Before
NHS England has made clear that this strike will have a bigger impact than recent ones. During earlier strikes in July and November, many non-urgent treatments continued.
This time, officials expect more cancellations. Hospitals may struggle to discharge patients promptly. Doctors who remain on duty will focus on emergency cover.
Medical director Professor Meghana Pandit said hospitals are under intense pressure. She noted record flu admissions for this time of year.
She added that staff will still work hard to keep patients safe. However, she warned that more patients will feel the impact. Many staff covering shifts will also miss time with their families over Christmas.
Which NHS Services Will Be Affected
Non-urgent operations and routine appointments are most at risk. This includes procedures like hip and knee replacements. Some clinics may also be postponed.
Emergency care will continue, though capacity will be stretched. GP practices are expected to remain open during the strike.
NHS England advises patients to attend appointments unless told otherwise. People should expect possible delays even if services remain open.
Hospital Closures and Local Changes During the Strike
Some hospitals have announced temporary service changes. Cheltenham General Hospital’s emergency department is closing to emergency cases during the strike. It will still treat minor injuries.
Patients needing urgent emergency care in the area are being directed to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. Similar changes may occur elsewhere depending on staffing levels.
Local NHS trusts are sharing updates directly with patients where services change.
What Patients Should Do If They Need Care
Patients with urgent but non-life-threatening issues are advised to use NHS 111 online. This service can guide people to the right level of care.
For serious emergencies, patients should still call 999 or attend A&E. NHS England has stressed that emergency care remains available.
Patients awaiting elective procedures may be contacted if appointments are cancelled or delayed. Hospitals advise checking official messages rather than assuming services are closed.
Impact on Christmas Hospital Pressures
The timing of the strike raises concern ahead of Christmas. Winter is already the busiest period for the NHS. Bed occupancy tends to rise sharply in late December.
Hospital leaders worry about patient flow. Delayed discharges can lead to overcrowded wards. This increases strain on emergency departments.
Staff providing strike cover may miss planned leave. NHS leaders warn that fatigue could worsen staffing pressures into the New Year.
The Growing Problem of Training Job Shortages
Beyond pay, doctors highlight limited training opportunities. Speciality training starts after several years of study and hospital work. These roles allow doctors to specialise in areas like emergency medicine or surgery.
This year, around 30,000 applicants competed for just 10,000 training posts. Some applicants came from overseas, adding to competition.
Many qualified doctors are left in limbo. Without a training post, their career progress slows or stops.
‘Getting a Job Is a Nightmare,’ Says Resident Doctor
Dr Tom Twentyman applied for a speciality post in emergency medicine. He was unsuccessful despite repeated attempts.
He describes the job market as overwhelming. Some vacancies close within hours due to hundreds of applications.
Since missing out, he has relied on locum shifts. These short-term roles provide income but do not count toward training. He must reapply next year if he wants to specialise.
This situation is common among resident doctors. Many feel stuck despite years of commitment to the NHS.
BMA Says Dispute Is About Pay and Jobs
The British Medical Association says the strike is about more than salary. Union leaders argue that doctors need clear career pathways.
Resident doctor leader Dr Jack Fletcher said members gave a strong mandate to continue action. He said the government must address both pay and job availability.
The BMA wants a long-term plan. It says gradual pay restoration over several years could prevent future strikes.
The union insists it will work with NHS leaders to protect patient safety during the walkout.
NHS Providers Warn of Cancelled Operations
NHS Providers, which represents hospitals and ambulance services, has raised serious concerns. Chief executive Daniel Elkeles compared the situation to repeating the same crisis over and over.
He said thousands of patients are likely to face cancelled or postponed care. This includes operations and diagnostic procedures.
Elkeles said the dispute feels no closer to resolution. Still, he reassured the public that hospitals remain safe places for treatment.
How Repeated Strikes Affect Patients Long Term
Repeated industrial action has lasting effects. Delayed care can worsen health conditions. Patients waiting for surgery may experience pain or reduced mobility.
Backlogs also grow after each strike. Hospitals then struggle to catch up, especially during winter.
Trust between patients and the system can suffer. Clear communication becomes essential to reduce anxiety and confusion.
Public Reaction and Wider Debate
Public opinion remains divided. Many support doctors’ calls for fair pay. Others worry about patient harm during strikes.
The debate reflects wider issues in the NHS. Staff shortages, workload stress, and funding limits continue to dominate discussion.
The outcome of this dispute could shape future workforce relations across healthcare.
What Happens After the Five-Day Strike Ends
Once the strike ends, hospitals will begin recovery plans. Priority will likely go to urgent cases and those waiting longest.
Further talks may follow if both sides agree to return to negotiations. Without compromise, more strikes remain possible.
NHS leaders say stability is vital heading into the New Year. Patients hope for resolution after months of disruption.
