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NHS Says Resident Doctor Strike Turnout Falls as Service Maintains 95% of Planned Care

The health secretary urged staff to cross picket lines, warning further action could jeopardise a recent offer.

Overview

  • The five-day walkout by resident doctors in England runs from 7am Friday to 7am Wednesday, marking the 13th doctors’ strike since March 2023.
  • NHS chief executive Sir James Mackey told leaders early indications show fewer doctors are striking than in previous rounds and said the service is meeting its 95% activity target.
  • Wes Streeting said the disruption could cost about £240m and cautioned the government may not be able to repeat its latest package if stoppages continue.
  • Streeting’s offer included covering exam fees and accelerating the expansion of training places, which the BMA rejected as doctors argue pay remains below 2008 levels in real terms despite recent rises.
  • A Savanta poll suggested many resident doctors thought the strike should have been called off, a finding the BMA disputed, and maternity services in Nottingham received temporary derogations to protect patient safety.