In an unprecedented move, junior doctors across the UK have embarked on their second day of an extraordinary six-day strike, marking the longest industrial action ever witnessed by the National Health Service (NHS). The strike has placed immense strain on healthcare services, with several NHS trusts declaring critical incidents.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson made a heartfelt appeal to the striking junior doctors, urging them to conclude their walkout amid mounting pressures on healthcare services. The appeal comes as more than a dozen hospitals reported a surge in demand for emergency services, and Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth declared a critical incident as its Accident & Emergency (A&E) department reached full capacity.
NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board also declared a critical incident due to “significant pressures on services.” Hospitals throughout the country reported “extreme heightened pressure” and extended A&E waiting times, with one hospital citing waits of “up to 11 hours.”
Despite calls to end the strike, junior doctors remain steadfast in their demands. Hospitals have submitted derogation requests to compel doctors to return to work, but all but one request has been rejected. The final plea is currently under consideration by the union.
The strikes have provoked strong reactions from the government and the public alike. Chancellor Rishi Sunak expressed support for NHS leaders, stressing their responsibility for patient care. However, criticism has also emerged, with a coalition of celebrities and NHS workers urging Sunak to develop an emergency plan to address the escalating NHS waiting lists.
As millions of people languish on waiting lists, concerns about their health and well-being intensify. Waiting lists have surged from 6.08 million in January 2023 to 6.44 million in October, with treatments awaiting completion rising from 7.21 million to 7.71 million during the same period.
Dr. Vin Diwakar, NHS England director, cautioned that the repercussions of the strike could persist for weeks due to lost doctor time, rescheduled appointments, and consultants catching up on their workload. Health and Social Care Secretary Victoria Atkins urged the BMA junior doctors committee to halt the strikes and return to the negotiating table for a fair and reasonable resolution.
Last summer, the government’s attempt to address junior doctors’ concerns with an average pay rise of 8.8% proved insufficient, leading to the current strike. In contrast, consultants and speciality doctors have reached a tentative agreement with the government, pending approval by their members.”
