Overview
- Resident doctors, who are early‑career hospital physicians, walked out at 7 a.m. on Tuesday in their 15th strike since 2023, with action set to run until 6:59 a.m. on April 13.
- NHS England told patients to attend appointments unless contacted and said emergency, cancer and maternity care remain priorities, though hospitals warned of delays and some cancellations.
- The government’s package included a 4.9% average basic pay rise that ministers say would leave doctors 35.2% better off than four years ago, while the BMA said the deal was watered down and failed to address long-term pay erosion.
- After the offer was rejected, the Department of Health and Social Care removed funding for 1,000 extra training posts for 2026, turning career progression into a flashpoint in the dispute.
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting estimated this week’s strike will cost about £300 million, with NHS leaders reporting more than £3 billion spent handling doctor walkouts since 2023, as BMA staff hold a separate 48‑hour pay strike and senior doctors prepare for ballots from May 11 to July 6.