A significant doctors' strike is poised to cause widespread disruption across the English NHS, with elective surgeries like hip replacements and cataract procedures expected to bear the brunt of the impact. While emergency and cancer care are prioritised, there's a real concern that even these vital services could be affected by the impending five-day walkout.
NHS leaders have warned that tens of thousands of hospital operations and appointments are likely to be delayed or cancelled as a result of the latest industrial action. Sir James Mackey, NHS England chief, has urged health bosses to maintain a "laser focus" on critical areas, including emergency care, maternity services, cancer treatment, and urgent elective surgery.
The Scope of Disruption
Despite these directives, it's understood that some NHS trusts may still face cancellations or rescheduling of oncology tests, appointments, and operations. Diagnostic test appointments are considered particularly vulnerable. While Sir James Mackey has encouraged health bosses to preserve at least 95 per cent of elective activity, non-urgent procedures are anticipated to be the most severely impacted.
These include:
- Orthopaedic Surgeries: Procedures such as knee and hip replacements.
- Ophthalmology: Cataract surgeries.
- Audiology: Appointments related to hearing.
- Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Procedures: This could encompass surgeries like tonsillectomies for recurrent tonsillitis.
- Minor Procedures: Operations to remove moles or warts.
- Cosmetic Surgery: Planned aesthetic procedures.
- Pre-planned Operations for Serious Conditions: Even some planned surgeries for more serious illnesses, including cancer, could be affected.
Hospital management is expected to reallocate resources to ensure that essential services, such as Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments and life-saving cancer treatments, can continue to function as smoothly as possible during the strike period.
A "Double Whammy" for the NHS
The resident doctors, formerly known as junior doctors, are initiating a five-day strike commencing at 7am on Friday morning. This action is part of an ongoing dispute with the Government concerning pay and working conditions. The walkout is set to take place across England and is scheduled to conclude at 7am on Wednesday, 18th November.
This industrial action comes at a particularly challenging time for the NHS, which is already grappling with a significant increase in flu infections. Latest figures from NHS England indicate that flu cases have tripled compared to the same period last year.
Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, described the situation as a "double-whammy," a "perfect storm" of a damaging five-day doctors' strike coinciding with a surge in flu cases. He stated, "NHS leaders are pulling out all the stops to keep patients safe but with fewer staff working and services coming under huge pressure from a spike in flu, and other winter pressures, some tests, checks and operations will inevitably have to be cancelled, leading to even longer waits for care and to patient harm."
Financial and Patient Impact
The NHS Confederation and NHS Providers have highlighted the significant financial implications of previous industrial action. The last five-day walkout in June is estimated to have cost the NHS £300 million and resulted in the cancellation or rescheduling of over 54,000 procedures and appointments. Despite this, the NHS managed to maintain 93 per cent of its planned activity.
Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, expressed his concerns: "There is no doubt that patients will bear the brunt of this disruption, with tens of thousands of tests, appointments and operations likely to be delayed or cancelled." He acknowledged the frustration this will cause for patients experiencing pain or discomfort while awaiting rescheduled treatment. "With flu already beginning to bite there is a real risk that these strikes will leave the NHS limping into a very difficult winter at a time when it is trying to recover performance and implement vital long-term reforms," he added.
Furthermore, health bosses have warned that the industrial action, coordinated by the British Medical Association (BMA), could intensify financial pressures on the NHS. This could potentially lead to trusts being forced to make cuts to frontline staff or services.
The Sticking Point: Pay
The Government has put forward a proposal to the BMA that includes covering the cost of exam fees and increasing the number of speciality training places. However, this offer was rejected by the union, which insists that the core issue of pay must be addressed.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has publicly criticised the union ahead of its 13th strike since March 2023, accusing doctors of "cartel-like behaviour" that has hindered the NHS's recovery. He has maintained that he will not negotiate on pay, citing that resident doctors have already received pay increases totalling nearly 30 per cent over the past three years.
In response, the BMA has stated that the current offer "does not go far enough." The union is seeking a 26 per cent pay uplift to restore doctors' earnings to their previous levels, taking inflation into account. The BMA has indicated that strikes could still be avoided if there is a willingness to offer a genuine pay deal and a workable solution regarding jobs.
Professor Meghana Pandit, National Medical Director at NHS England, has assured the public that staff will work diligently to maintain care and minimise disruption. She advised, "The public should continue to come forward for their appointments over the next few days unless they are contacted by the NHS and told otherwise."
No comments:
Post a Comment