As junior doctors across England prepare to strike again this
week, Sir Hartley, chief executive of NHS
Providers, said:
“Trust leaders’ worst fears have been realised. They were
dreading more strikes this winter and now junior doctors are
starting a three-day full walkout.
“This is the last thing the NHS needs. With the longest strike in
NHS history planned for the new year, and senior medics having to
cover for striking junior doctors, quality of care will be
affected with efforts to cut waiting lists further dented by
these walkouts.
“The NHS will still be there for people in an emergency.
“Trusts’ top priority is keeping patients safe. They are working
hard to minimise disruption as much as possible but the strikes
will be very disruptive for patients and staff.
"Last winter was the worst that many trust leaders can remember
and they’re expecting this one to be even tougher as seasonal
illnesses and bugs like flu take hold, adding to extreme pressure
on hospital, ambulance, mental health and community services.
“Trust leaders understand how strongly junior doctors feel and
why they’re striking but we can’t afford strikes to become
‘business as usual’.
“The numbers speak for themselves: industrial action since last
December has cost the NHS around £2billion and more than a
million routine procedures and appointments have had to be
rescheduled, above all to ensure safety.
“We urge the government and unions, without any preconditions, to
get back round the negotiating table, break the deadlock and stop
these strikes.”
