NHS Providers: Costly BMA strike putting patients at risk, not NHS

The resident doctors' trade union claims NHS trusts are causing potential harm to patients by not having cancelled planned treatment already in anticipation of a strike.

Daniel Elkeles, chief executive, NHS Providers, said:

“The NHS, not the BMA, is putting patient's interests first.

“Given that some patients will be caused undoubted harm if the short-notice strike goes ahead, NHS trusts are doing the responsible thing by not cancelling people's care whilst talks to avert the strike are ongoing. 

“Now is a time for cool heads in the BMA because it's not too late to avoid a damaging, costly strike. NHS trust leaders hope for a breakthrough from talks between government and the union.

“If the strike goes ahead then NHS trusts will do everything they can to avoid any harm to patients and are planning for as many patients as possible to be cared for.”