WES Streeting today slams union bosses and issues a last-ditch plea for a six-day resident doctors’ strike to be axed.
Writing in The Sun, the Health Secretary said patients will suffer due to the walkout.
Tens of thousands of resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, are set to down tools from 7am tomorrow.
In a blistering swipe at their British Medical Association union, Mr Streeting says: “They think their demands are more important than patients, their need is greater than hard-pressed taxpayers, and that their concerns matter more than other NHS staff.”
“Every time junior doctors walk out, it’s patients who feel the impact – and other NHS staff left picking up the pieces as they try and keep the show on the road.”
He said the pay deal to the medics was fair and accused the BMA of refusing its members a vote on the offer.
He adds: “My message to the BMA is clear. Cancel the strikes.”
NHS chiefs urged patients to seek care as normal and said that hospitals were working to minimise disruption, but warned the walkout is set to be “particularly challenging” coming straight after Easter.
People have been asked to attend appointments and use A&E or 111 in emergencies.
The BMA last night accused Mr Streeting of watering down a deal nearing agreement.
Boss Dr Jack Fletcher said: “Many senior doctors will be covering for us and whilst that of course benefits patients, we know they are also exhausted and as demoralised as we are.
“We are willing to bring an end to industrial action, but we are not seeing that willingness from Government so far.”
Families will be waiting in pain
By Wes Streeting, Health Secretary
NOBODY wants strikes in our NHS.
Every time junior doctors walk out, it’s patients who feel the impact — and other NHS staff left picking up the pieces.
Operations will be delayed, appointments will be postponed and many families will be left waiting in pain.
This is the 15th time resident doctors have been on strike since March 2023.
I had expected that, after the whopping pay rise from this Government and the deal on offer, they might be more reasonable.
But the BMA think their demands are more important than patients, and that their concerns matter more than other NHS staff.
Some people who have patiently waited to receive care will be asked to wait even longer.
I am truly sorry.
We did everything we could.
The deal on offer would have taken total average pay rises for resident doctors to 35.2 per cent over four years.
My message to the BMA is clear.
Cancel the strikes.
Patients deserve better than being caught in the middle of a dispute of the BMA’s making.
