The NHS has issued an “urgent’ plea for people to get their flu jab as they cope with striking doctors during record ‘tsunami’ superflu numbers during the heart of the Christmas season
More patients are “likely to feel the impact” of this latest strike action by resident doctors in England.
Hospitals are already grappling with record cases of superflu, which is more infectious than previous breakouts. But now they will have to cope with less staff as resident doctors, previously called junior doctors, stage a five-day walkout from today.
The double whammy has prompted an “urgent NHS” plea for people to get a flu jab to help ease the burden. Already stretched hospitals have been told to aim to deliver 95% of usual activity during the strike, though health leaders have conceded this could be “more challenging due to the onset of winter pressures and rising flu”.
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It comes as Health Secretary Wes Streeting warns Britain is facing a ‘tsunami’ of flu and said a strike is ‘choosing to put lives at risk this Christmas’. There are fears the elderly will be hit the hardest, stranded in hospital with flu over Christmas because there are not enough people to safely discharge them.
Health bosses have urged patients to come forward as usual but warned that some appointments will “inevitably” need to be rescheduled. Doctors’ leaders deny patients will lose their lives as a result of strike action “in the heart of the Christmas season.”
The five-day walkout by resident doctors in England was announced by The British Medical Association (BMA) on Monday. The BMA said 83% of its members had voted to continue with the walkout in an online poll over the weekend, with a turnout of 65%.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “gutted” by the result, describing it as “irresponsible” given the rising pressure from flu. NHS England also urged eligible people to get their flu vaccine to help ward off cases.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England’s national medical director, said: “These strikes come at an immensely challenging time for the NHS, with record numbers of patients in hospital with flu for this time of year.
“Staff will come together as they always do, going above and beyond to provide safe care for patients and limit disruption, but sadly more patients are likely to feel the impact of this round of strikes than in the previous two – and staff who are covering will not get the Christmas break they deserve with their families.
“It is vital that the public continue to come forward for their appointments over the next few days unless they are contacted by the NHS and told otherwise – but inevitably some appointments will have to be rescheduled. It’s really important the public play their part by coming forward for care in the usual way – by dialling 999 in an emergency and otherwise using 111 online, your local pharmacist or GP.”
NHS England said that during the walkout fewer doctors will be working compared to usual, so people with non-urgent concerns may need to wait longer as urgent cases are prioritised. The five-day strike, which starts at 7am on Wednesday, will be the 14th by resident doctors since 2023.
Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said: “The last thing anyone wants is for them or their loved ones to be unwell or hospitalised over the festive season, so if you don’t want your new year ruined – this is your last chance to get vaccinated in time. This is an urgent plea from the NHS – please come forward for your flu jab now and get protected.”
Rachel Power, Chief Executive of The Patients Association said: “We are deeply disappointed that negotiations have failed and that resident doctors will strike for five days at the most challenging time for patients.
“With flu cases up 50% in one week and the NHS warning that they are facing a ‘worst case scenario’, these strikes will hit patients when they have been so badly impacted already with delayed and cancelled treatments, are struggling with worsening conditions, and will now be fearful about what will happen if they become acutely unwell over the coming period.
“Patients will once again be trapped in an endless cycle of disruption, cancellations, and anxiety. It’s clear the current approach isn’t working. Independent mediation is the only credible path to a lasting solution that protects patients.
“Both the BMA and the government must now commit to independent arbitration immediately. This must happen now. This cycle must end.”
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: “Hospitals will do their best to keep services going but there will inevitably be cancellations and delays and as the majority of users are older people, they will be hit harder than most.
“The postponement of a minor operation or a clinic appointment with a consultant to discuss test results and next steps may look ‘non-urgent’ on paper, but that’s not how it will feel to an older person who is anxious and in pain, who has already waited months and who does not have time on their side.”
