NHS Maintains Care for 10,000 More Patients Despite Doctors' Strike

Strategic Insights -

NHS England's data shows a significant improvement in the delivery of planned operations, tests, and procedures during the latest five-day doctors' strike. Despite the industrial action, 93% of scheduled care went ahead, a notable increase from previous strikes where non-urgent care was postponed. The reduced number of striking doctors, down by 7.5% from last year's industrial action, has also been credited for the improved care delivery.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NHS maintained care for an estimated 10,000 more patients during the latest doctors' strike compared to last year's industrial action.
  • 93% of planned operations, tests, and procedures went ahead during the five-day walkout across England, a significant improvement from previous strikes.
  • The number of resident doctors who chose to join the strike was down by 7.5% (1,243) from last year's industrial action, according to early analysis of management information collected by NHS England.
  • NHS chief executive Sir James Mackey noted that while care was still disrupted for thousands of people, the NHS staff will continue to work hard to ensure patients can get their rescheduled care as soon as possible.
  • Health Secretary Wes Streeting urged the Resident Doctors Committee to return to the negotiating table and work with the Government and the NHS on meaningful improvements to resident doctors' working lives.
  • Streeting also stated that he "never left" the negotiating table and is willing to meet with the resident doctors committee to resume talks on pay and working conditions.

Statistics:

  • Estimated 10,000 more patients maintained care during the latest doctors' strike compared to last year's industrial action.
  • 93% of planned operations, tests, and procedures went ahead during the five-day walkout across England.
  • 7.5% decrease (1,243 fewer doctors) in the number of resident doctors who chose to join the strike.
  • NHS England early analysis of management information collected.
  • Thousands of patients' care was still disrupted during the strike, according to NHS chief executive Sir James Mackey.

Sources:

  • [1] Helen Corbett, The NHS (No date provided)
  • Helen Corbett, The NHS (No date provided)