Doctors in England are planning to go on strike ahead of the Christmas holiday. The resident doctors, previously referred to as junior doctors, are scheduled to commence their strike from 7am on December 17 until December 22. This decision follows a previous five-day walkout.
The British Medical Association (BMA) cited the Government’s failure to present a satisfactory offer regarding jobs and pay as the reason for the strikes. The BMA also highlighted concerns about a recent revelation of job shortages.
Dr. Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA’s resident doctors committee, expressed disappointment in the Government’s handling of the situation. He emphasized the necessity of addressing the jobs crisis and ensuring fair compensation for resident doctors to prevent further strike actions.
Resident doctors, who constitute a significant portion of the medical workforce, will be withdrawing from both emergency and routine care services during the strike. To maintain essential healthcare services, senior doctors will be called upon to provide coverage.
The BMA urges the Government to take immediate action to resolve the ongoing issues and prevent further disruptions in healthcare services caused by the strike actions.