The first day of the junior doctors’ strike in England has led several NHS trusts to declare critical incidents, raising concerns about patient safety. The six-day walkout, which began on Wednesday, marks the longest industrial action in NHS history. Members of the British Medical Association, who are junior doctors, are protesting against pay disparities within the NHS.
Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, one of the trusts that has declared a critical incident, has stated that the strike is proving to be very challenging. The timing of the strike coincides with what is typically their busiest week. The trust has submitted a safety mitigation request, calling for additional doctors, as its two hospitals are facing very high levels of patient demand. This situation raises concerns about the ability to provide adequate care during the strike.
NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s medical director, Dr Dave Briggs, has urged the public to only attend the accident and emergency department if they are suffering from a life-threatening illness or injury that cannot be treated elsewhere. This appeal comes amidst long waiting times and limited staffing resources. Dr Briggs recommended that individuals consider self-care as an option for conditions such as coughs and colds. If self-care is not a feasible choice, they should call the non-emergency number 111 for further guidance.
The Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust has cited a combination of delays throughout their system and an increase in demand for services as the reason for declaring a critical incident. The trust highlighted the challenging week they are already experiencing, compounded by the after-effects of the bank holiday weekends and rising winter pressures. With low staffing levels, especially in the emergency department, they are seeking assistance from the local community to ensure continued care for those in need.
Due to a high volume of calls, the Welsh Ambulance Service has reminded the public to only dial emergency services if they are seriously ill, injured, or if a life is at risk. This plea underscores the need to utilize healthcare resources responsibly during this critical time.
A number of hospitals have submitted derogation requests, urging doctors to return to work. However, most of these requests have been rejected, potentially exacerbating the strain on already limited resources. The British Medical Association is currently considering the last outstanding request.
The strike comes as a result of dissatisfaction with pay disparities within the NHS. Junior doctors were offered an 8.8% pay rise last summer, with an additional 3% proposed towards the end of the year. However, the British Medical Association rejected this offer, arguing that it did not sufficiently compensate for the 26.1% pay cut they have experienced since 2008. The union’s main demands include a full pay restoration and the implementation of measures to prevent future pay decreases in line with the cost of living.
As the junior doctors’ strike unfolds, concerns about patient safety continue to mount. With NHS trusts declaring critical incidents and urging doctors to return to work, the strain on healthcare resources and access to care for patients becomes increasingly precarious. Balancing the demands of healthcare staff and ensuring quality care provision should be at the forefront of negotiations to achieve a resolution that safeguards both doctors and patients.