Two-thirds of resident doctors defied calls to strike last week, according to figures released tonight. Official statistics from health bosses show a significant drop in participation compared to previous walkouts. The British Medical Association (BMA) is demanding a 29% salary increase for these doctors, citing pay erosion since 2008.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting praised the majority of doctors who continued working, stating that reduced disruption meant an estimated 10,000 more patients received care compared to previous strike actions. He characterized the BMA’s industrial action as “damaging” and “unnecessary,” highlighting the cost to patients. Hospital leaders, he added, worked diligently to maintain planned care.
Streeting, who underwent treatment for kidney cancer in 2021, shared a story of a patient whose surgery was postponed by a month due to the strike. “Every cancelled appointment means more pain for patients already waiting too long,” he said. “Every postponed procedure piles pressure on overstretched colleagues picking up the pieces.”
NHS England figures revealed that 93% of planned care—including operations, tests, and procedures—was maintained during the five-day strike. Nearly 1,300 fewer doctors participated compared to strikes in June 2024, a 7.5% decrease.
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust saw 95% of its planned care delivered, with between 10% and 15% fewer resident doctors striking. David Probert, chief executive of UCLH, noted that consultants rearranged shifts without extra cost, demonstrating flexibility and support.
“When presented with a problem you find ways to cope,” Probert said. “People were flexible and brilliant and stood up.” However, he cautioned that while a one-off period of action is manageable, a recurrence until December would present a significant challenge.
Resident doctors, who comprise about half of NHS medical staff, have experienced pay increases of 28.9% over the past three years. However, the BMA argues that real-terms pay has fallen by 21% over 17 years.
Shadow health minister Dr. Caroline Johnson MP criticized the BMA’s actions, stating, “The BMA is not acting in the interests of patients – it’s abusing its power.” She also commented on broader political dynamics, suggesting that further industrial action by unions like teachers and nurses was anticipated.
NHS chief executive Sir James Mackey acknowledged the collective effort to minimize disruption but also pointed out that thousands of patients still experienced cancelled or rescheduled care. “A repeat of this action will be unacceptable,” he stated.
A spokesperson for the BMA challenged NHS England’s figures, calling them “a huge stretch of the imagination” given the complexities of tracking doctor attendance. The spokesperson also noted that July is a time when many doctors use annual leave before starting new posts, which could affect strike participation data.
The BMA insisted that the strike could have been avoided if the Health Secretary had pursued a negotiated settlement more seriously.
