NHS Confederation responds to new resident doctor strike dates ahead of Christmas
Responding to the British Medical Association’s announcement that resident doctors will strike for a further five days in the run up to Christmas, Rory Deighton, acute and community care director at the NHS Confederation, said:
"This will come as a devastating blow to health leaders who have only just navigated another round of walkouts. With winter now upon us, flu levels surging, and staff sickness expected to rise, pressure on services will be intense.
"Resident doctors downing tools is deeply concerning for NHS staff and will have a huge impact on them and patients. It will likely lead to thousands of cancelled appointments and operations, and in the end, patients will bear the brunt of this reckless industrial action.
"Healthcare leaders will continue to do all they can to provide the best care possible and maintain patient safety during any periods of industrial action.
"They and would urge resident doctors to reflect on the impact of yet more strikes on patients against the difficult financial backdrop we’re operating in, and the generous pay rise that has already been offered to, a compromise solution that avoids overwhelming an NHS already buckling under immense pressure must be found urgently."
