Commencing this Wednesday, hospital doctors in England will initiate their lengthiest continuous strike in the seven-decade history of Britain’s National Health Service (NHS).
Junior doctors, those below consultant level, will embark on a six-day walkout, marking a significant escalation in their prolonged dispute over pay with the United Kingdom government.
This industrial action unfolds during a critical period for the state-funded NHS, coinciding with heightened strain stemming from winter respiratory illnesses.
Following a recent three-day strike just before Christmas, this prolonged strike action could potentially sideline up to half of the medical workforce, severely impacting nearly all routine care, as highlighted by the NHS national medical director, Stephen Powis.
Set to commence at 7:00 am (0700 GMT) and persist until the same time on Tuesday, January 9, this strike was announced by the British Medical Association after failed negotiations with the government.
The proposed 3 per cent increase for junior doctors, layered atop an average 8.8 per cent raise granted earlier this year, was dismissed due to uneven distribution across doctor grades, resulting in pay reductions for many doctors.
This latest strike adds to the series of seven strikes junior doctors have undertaken since March, drawing criticism from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and hospital leaders.
While health policy is overseen by devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with the UK government managing England, Wales’ junior doctors plan a 72-hour strike starting January 15.
Northern Ireland’s doctors have voted for potential strike action, whereas their Scottish counterparts have reached an agreement with the Edinburgh government.
The NHS anticipates a surge in hospital admissions two weeks post-Christmas due to delayed treatment-seeking during the festive season, exacerbating existing backlogs in appointments and surgeries, attributed to both Covid-related postponements and years of inadequate funding.”
