NHS Consultants and Dentists Launch Biggest Strike in Nearly 50 Years
Thousands of NHS consultants and hospital dentists have ground routine care to a halt with a 48-hour strike—the first of its magnitude in almost five decades. Starting at 7am Thursday, the walkout will last until 7am Saturday, causing widespread disruption to patient services.
Sweeping Impact on Patient Care and Cancelled Appointments
NHS Providers, representing health trusts, warns this strike will severely hit patient care. Sir Julian Hartley, Chief Exec of NHS Providers, said the NHS “cannot operate at full capacity without the expertise of consultants.” Thousands of operations, appointments, and procedures have been cancelled, with hospitals scrambling to reschedule and rely on emergency cover similar to Christmas Day arrangements.
NHS England Flags Serious Consequences and Urges Public Caution
NHS England stresses the timing worsens the strike’s impact, leaving hospitals with fewer options to cope. It’s expected to cause the harshest disruption of any industrial action this year. On strike days, the public must call 999 for life-threatening emergencies and use the NHS 111 online service for other health issues. GP surgeries and pharmacies remain open, but consultants won’t be supervising junior doctors or seeing many patients.
Pay Dispute at Heart of Strike Drama
The strike centers on a government offer of a 6% pay rise. Starting consultants currently earn £93,666, with top earners reaching over £126,000 after around 19 years on the job. Bonuses, extra hours (making up roughly 30% of earnings), and clinical excellence awards boost overall pay. Some consultants also earn extra from private work, though it’s not universal.
