The Patients Association fears the strike action by junior doctors will cause untold anxiety among patients and lead to the worsening of some patients’ health.

News the junior doctors will strike before and after Christmas is dreadful news for all patients, but especially the millions waiting for treatment. Winter is always tough for the NHS, the people who work in it, and patients. We have raised concerns recently that this winter could be worse than last year’s.

Now, we are profoundly concerned for patients’ safety and long-term well-being. We know from calls to our helpline, and research the Care Quality Commission has done that the health of thousands of patients is deteriorating as they wait to be seen. Strikes have the potential to push back their appointments and treatment even further.

We are disappointed that talks between the BMA and the Government broke down. We say to both the BMA and Government – whatever it takes to reopen negotiations, do it.

6th December 2023