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Doctors Strike: NHS Maintains 95% Care Despite Walkout
5 Jan
Summary
- NHS maintained 95% of planned care during resident doctors' strike action.
- Over 3,167 elective procedures and 30,000 outpatient appointments were rescheduled.
- Hospitals discharged more patients, reducing bed occupancy below 80%.
Resident doctors participated in a five-day strike action just before Christmas, a period typically characterized by high demand on the National Health Service. Despite the industrial action, which saw over 25,000 doctors absent on weekdays, the NHS reported maintaining 95% of its planned care. This resilience was achieved through significant efforts to reschedule approximately 3,167 inpatient procedures and over 30,000 outpatient appointments.
NHS leaders commended staff for their dedication, highlighting that hospitals also managed to discharge a higher number of patients than the previous year. This resulted in bed occupancy rates falling below the 80% target by Christmas Day. Health service boss Sir Jim Mackey expressed pride in the staff who worked through the festive period, enabling many patients to return home for the holidays.
While the NHS navigated the strike and a surge in flu cases, demand remains high, with expectations of further strain due to cold weather. Officials urged the public to utilize NHS 111 for non-emergencies and to seek A&E and call 999 only for genuine emergencies. Health Secretary Wes Streeting reiterated his commitment to resolving disputes with the BMA this year.
