Maintaining 95 per cent activity during resident doctor strike incredible achievement but patient and staff impact is real

Responding to NHS England’s data showing the impact of the latest round of resident doctor strikes, Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said:  

“Health leaders will be very relieved that the NHS weathered the storm of further resident doctor strikes combined with rising flu levels. Maintaining 95% of activity during the walk out is an incredible achievement, testament to the meticulous planning and hard work of staff up and down the country to plug rota gaps and to keep services running as smoothly as possible. 

“But with tens of thousands of appointments, tests and procedures that need to be rescheduled and many staff who filled in for absent colleagues now due time off in lieu, we can anticipate further knock-on impacts to waiting lists over the coming days and weeks.  

“However, health leaders remain concerned about the threat of and detrimental impact any further strikes over Christmas and into the early new year could have. The BMA must recognise that this industrial action is disproportionate, given the current financial environment and the fact resident doctors have already had one of the biggest pay rises in the public sector. We would urge them to listen to the court of public opinion, moderate their demands and re-enter negotiations.”