Overview
- Resident doctors stopped work from 7am on 17 December for a five-day strike, their 14th since 2023, with reports saying up to half of England’s medical workforce could be off duty.
- Doctors rejected a last-minute government offer in a BMA ballot, with 83% voting to continue action on a 65% turnout, as they seek a further pay rise of about 26% and more genuine specialist training posts.
- NHS England told hospitals to aim for 95% of normal activity, yet trusts warn routine operations and appointments are being postponed, with turnout varying widely by site and consultants covering urgent care.
- Hospitals are facing the highest-for-this-point flu admissions on record, with an average of 2,660 patients a day in early December and pressure falling hardest on older people and discharge capacity.
- Political tensions escalated as the prime minister and health secretary condemned the timing, the BMA defended the action as necessary for workforce sustainability, selective exemptions were granted in maternity in Nottingham, and Acas said it is ready to assist.