Doctors Strike Hits UK Hospitals Amid Flu Crisis

UK doctors strike disrupts hospitals during flu wave, affecting non-urgent care. Learn why resident doctors are striking and patient advice.

Doctors in England have launched a five-day strike, causing disruptions across hospitals as a flu wave adds extra pressure. NHS England warns non-urgent services will be affected, with hospitals struggling to maintain care levels similar to previous walkouts.

This marks the 14th strike by resident doctors, the new term for junior doctors, in the ongoing pay dispute. Health Secretary Wes Streeting criticized the timing, saying it risks patient safety, while the British Medical Association (BMA) assured the public that patient safety remains a priority.

Despite last-minute talks described as “constructive,” no agreement was reached, leading to the strike starting Wednesday at 07:00. Resident doctors make up nearly half of NHS doctors and will step away from both emergency and non-urgent care, with senior doctors providing essential cover.

Medical Director Prof Meghana Pandit said hospitals are facing record flu cases this season. Staff covering the strike will go above and beyond, but patients are likely to experience more impact than in previous strikes. NHS staff working during this period may miss their Christmas break to maintain care.

GP practices remain open, and urgent care services are available, but some hospitals, like Cheltenham General Hospital, have restricted emergency services. Patients are advised to use NHS 111 online for urgent, non-life-threatening issues, and 999 for emergencies.

The strike continues despite a recent government offer to increase specialty training posts and cover exam fees. The competitive nature of these positions has left many resident doctors struggling to secure training jobs.

The BMA says resident doctors’ pay is still 20% lower than in 2008 after accounting for inflation, despite recent rises totaling nearly 30%. Dr. Jack Fletcher of the BMA urges the government to offer long-term pay and job solutions to avoid future strikes, reaffirming the union’s commitment to patient safety.