NHS Confederation responds to BMA announcing resident doctor strikes in November

Responding to the British Medical Association (BMA) announcing further resident doctors strikes in November, Rory Deighton, acute director at the NHS Confederation, said:

“NHS leaders will be bitterly disappointed that negotiations have again broken down, and they will now have to prepare to mitigate the disruption of more strikes at the same time as they are getting ready for what is likely to be another very difficult winter, whilst continuing to bear down on their elective waiting lists.

“The NHS has already experienced a busy summer and further walk outs will make it even more difficult to manage the anticipated spike in seasonal viruses and staff sickness.

“Ultimately, despite the best efforts to plan and put contingencies in place, it is patients who bear the brunt of industrial action, with more cancelled appointments, tests and operations leaving people waiting longer for the care they need.

“We would urge the BMA to get back around the table and try to find a solution that does not involve more disruption to an NHS that is already under immense pressure.”