The National Health Service (NHS) is experiencing a historical event as consultants and junior doctors unite for the first time in joint strike action over pay rise. The move comes in response to the rising costs of living and inflation.
At the Leeds General Infirmary strike, Tom Sharp and other union leaders and doctors represented the British Medical Association (BMA). The striking doctors have refused the government’s 8.8% pay increase and confirmed further walkouts in September and October. The strikes aim to achieve pay restoration, establish a mechanism to protect against future pay declines and improve pay increases to be fair.
The participation of junior doctors and consultants in the strikes implies a significant reduction in available doctors, directly impacting appointments, procedures and operations. As a result, non-emergency services will experience delays and patients are asked to utilize emergency services only for severe emergencies.
The previous strikes by consultants in the NHS had already disrupted 45,800 appointments and saw around 6,000 staff members off-duty daily.
In response to the industrial action, the UK government plans to introduce MSL (Minimum Service Level) regulations, requiring essential health service staff to work during strikes to safeguard patient safety. Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay emphasized that these regulations aim to strike a balance, ensuring available care during strikes. He further mentioned that although the pay increase for junior doctors and consultants has been substantial, additional measures are being imposed to ensure patient safety and the effectiveness of the health service amid ongoing strike actions.
The impact of the strikes on patients will be significant, with nearly 900,000 rescheduled appointments or procedures. This situation highlights the urgent need for the government and the striking doctors to reach a solution that addresses the concerns of healthcare professionals while minimizing the disruption to patient care.
