NHS Confederation responds to data showing impact of latest junior doctor strikes

Responding to data published by NHS England on the impact of the latest junior doctors strike, which saw over 60,000 acute inpatient and outpatient appointments and procedures rescheduled, Danny Mortimer deputy chief executive of the NHS Confederation said:

"Strikes continue to impact on patients and their waits for care as the health service prioritizes the most urgent care during walkouts by junior doctor members of the British Medical Association (BMA). 

"However, this set of strikes have proven to be tougher than the last. Members have reported a higher level of anxiety around this walkout due to the added pressure of it coming in the middle of the school holidays, with new arrangements around bank and locum staff meaning that ensuring cover over the 4 day strike was a challenge across England. 

"While dealing with industrial action has regrettably become ‘business as usual’, its ongoing presence is storing up longer term problems, not least because the recorded number of cancelled appointments and operations is soon to reach 1 million. But we know that this is the tip of the iceberg. 

"Our members have highlighted that the strikes are also causing cancelations on many days before and after the strikes, significantly increasing patient anxiety and meaning that these numbers will be underestimating the true impact of the action.  Further there is a enormous impact on the time of leaders, senior clinicians and their teams as they plan for the periods of strike action. 

"With consultants set to walk out next week and further strikes by doctors to follow, the NHS needs this industrial action to be brought to a close. Without a serious intent to solve this dispute, we fear that the Prime Ministers pledge to reduce waiting lists will not be achievable."